*Office is currently closed to the public. Meetings are by appointment only.*

PUBLICATION/LITERATURE: Offers various publications to consumers including consumer guides on buying used cars, purchasing health care, landlord and tenant rights and obligations, selecting a nursing home and other subjects. Consumers Edge, a series of short articles about common consumer problems and scams. In-depth articles in a newsletter-style format on such topics as prescription drugs, home improvements, and complaining effectively. Also fact sheets providing brief explanations of one’s rights under Maryland law.

LEGISLATION: Recommends legislation to protect the public from fraudulent schemes and promotions.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: Responds to inquiries from businesses regarding the requirements of Maryland law.

IDENTITY THEFT RESOURCES: Offers a listing to report identity theft. Contact the most appropriate venue:

-REPORT CARDS ON CREDIT CARDS: Reports the fraudulent activity to the local police department and place a credit freeze on the account.

Equifax: 888-766-0008. Order a copy of the report: 800-685-1111. Website: www.equifax.com
Experian: 888-397-3742. Order a copy of the report: 888-397-3742. Website: www.experian.com
TransUnion: 800-916-8800. Order a copy of the report: 800-888-4213. Website: www.transunion.com

o Send freeze requests via certified mail to:

Equifax Security Freeze, PO Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348
Experian Security Freeze, PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion, Fraud Victim Assistance Department, PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016

-LOST/STOLEN: Offer assistance with lost/stolen property. Contact these departments if a social security card, driver’s license number, check number, or bank account has been compromised by an outside party.

o Stolen checks/ Fraudulent bank accounts: If someone has opened an account using someone else’s information, notify that bank and contact Chex Systems, Inc. at 800-428-9623 or at www.chexsystems.com.

o If a store rejects a check contact one of the following companies:

TeleCheck: 800-710-9898
CheckRite: 800-766-2748

o Social Security number misuse: Report to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General at 800-269-0271.

o Driver’s License Number Misuse: If someone is using another person’s driver’s license number as identification on bad checks call the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration at 800-950-1682.

-FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTATION: Assist with fraudulent change of address or a false bankruptcy.

o Change of address: If there is a fraudulent change of address notify the U.S. Postal Inspection System at 877-876-2455.

o False bankruptcy: If someone has filed for bankruptcy in someone else’s name write to the U.S. Trustee in the region where the bankruptcy was filed. A list of the U.S. Trustee Program’s Regional Offices is available at www.usdoj.gov/ust.