- 1). Consider contacting a credit collection agency if someone owes you a small debt or if you want it reported on their credit report. Know, however, that these agencies charge a fee or percentage of the debt to be collected. The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals can provide you with a list of reputable collection agencies.
- 2). Contact a credit reporting service company to help you collect on a larger debt. These companies help you navigate the formatting requirements when reporting unpaid debts to any of the three major credit bureaus.
- 3). Call a customer service representative of one of the three major credit bureaus to report identify theft or suspected fraud. The phone number for Equifax is 800-203-7843, the number for TransUnion is 800-916-8800, and the number for Experian is 866-673-0140. The customer service representative will then divert you to the fraud department. Ask for a free credit report if you suspect you have been the victim of fraud.
- 4). Visit www.idtheft.gov or the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ to report identity theft, or call the Federal Trade Commission's ID theft Clearinghouse at 877-438-4338.
- 5). Contact your credit card companies immediately. You can also contact your local police for further assistance.
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