Report Cyber Crime

Cyber crime is criminal activities carried out using computers or the internet. Examples include computers being used for illegal activities, such as fraud, child pornography, identity theft, or privacy violations. Please report even if you are unsure if your complaint qualifies as a crime.

What to do if you’ve been the victim of a cybercrime:

Put a security freeze on your credit. A freeze keeps sensitive data in your credit files from being accessed without your consent. This can protect you from fraudulent credit applications, even if a criminal has key information such as your birth date and Social Security number.

• A freeze blocks access to your credit reports, protecting against scammers’ attempts to open fraudulent accounts
• You have to contact each of the three credit bureaus individually
• Placing a credit freeze is free for you and your children, as is lifting it when you want to apply for new credit
• A freeze does not affect your credit score

What is a security freeze?

A security freeze blocks access to your credit unless you have given permission. This can prevent an identity thief from opening a new account or getting credit in your name. All consumers can get a free security freeze online, by phone or by mail. A security freeze, also known as a credit or a file freeze, can be lifted (or “thawed”) temporarily when you apply for credit or permanently removed at your request. Parents and guardians can also shield their children’s credit report with a special Protected Consumer security freeze. These freezes can also be used to safeguard incapacitated adults.

How a security freeze works

• Once you’ve placed a security freeze on your credit, a creditor who asks to see your file will see a message that your file is frozen. The creditor will not see your credit score and may treat your application as incomplete but not rejected.
• Government agencies collecting child support payments or taxes and your existing creditors or collection agencies acting on their behalf can continue to access your credit despite the freeze.
• Other creditors may also use your information to offer you pre-approved credit. You can stop most credit offers by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com.
• You can still get a free copy of your credit report annually from each credit bureau.

How to freeze your credit