Since there is a remote possibility for identity theft to occur from this incident, the University is taking steps to notify individuals. You may choose to adopt an increased level of identity theft protection by placing a fraud alert on your credit file at the national credit reporting agencies. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before they open any new accounts or change your existing accounts. You may call any one of the three major credit reporting agencies listed below. As soon as one credit reporting agency confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts. All three credit reports will be sent to you, free of charge, for your review.

• Equifax – 800/525-6285 www.equifax.com P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
• Experian – 888/397-3742 www.experian.com P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
• TransUnionCorp – 800/680-7289 www.transunion.com Fraud Victim Assistance Division P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

You should review your credit reports periodically. U.S. residents are entitled under U.S. law to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free (877) 322-8228.  If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, please contact the VCU Police at (804) 828-1196 to file a report.

If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, you should file a complaint with the FTC at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft or at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338). Your complaint will be added to the FTC’s Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, where it will be accessible to law enforcement agencies for their investigations. The FTC also will advise you on further steps to take in the event your information is being used illegally.