How to report identity theft and fraud

Identity (ID) theft occurs when someone gains access to personal information, such as name, date of birth, address and Social Security number, and uses that information to commit fraudulent crimes. That's why it's important for you to know what to do if you become an ID theft victim.

Here are some important steps you can take right away if you believe your identity has been compromised:

 

  • Contact your financial institutions and creditors.
    Speak with their fraud departments and explain that someone has stolen your identity.
  • Check your credit reports and place a fraud alert on your file.
    Initiate a fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus (when you contact one credit bureau, the other two bureaus are notified automatically). Review these reports closely for inaccuracies and close any accounts you believe were opened fraudulently.
  • Protect your device against malware or malicious software.
    Download and install security software that updates automatically from a reputable company you trust. Trusteer Rapport online fraud protection software is free from Merrill and helps protect you from malware and phishing attacks.
  • Change your passwords and PINS.
    Make sure to change your online sign-in credentials, passwords and PINs on all of your accounts at financial institutions, including Bank of America and Merrill.
  • Set up account and security alerts.
    Receive notifications of activity on your accounts so you can take action immediately and protect yourself against fraud.
  • Replace your stolen identification.
    Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to report and replace your stolen driver’s license. Remember: Check to see if a secondary license has been issued in your name. If your Social Security number has been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at 800.269.0271 and consider notifying the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) at 800.908.4490.

Want to learn more? We’ve assembled these steps and more in a printable PDF. Download our Identity Theft brochure for more ways to protect yourself against identity theft and fraud.

 

 

If you suspect you’re a victim of fraud, contact us immediately at 1.800.MERRILL (637.7455), or speak to your financial advisor for further assistance.

Switch to Accessibility Friendly View

Welcome to Merrill

Get personalized resources tailored to your financial goals

Explore your goals

More for you

Information for:

Corporations & Institutions Job Seekers Media & Journalists Shareholders

Get in touch:

Contact Us

Connect with ML®:

Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Asset allocation, rebalancing and diversification do not guarantee against risk in broadly declining markets.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary. 

This material does not take into account a client’s particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill financial advisor.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc., a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Trust, fiduciary and investment management services, including assets managed by the Specialty Asset Management team, are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and its agents.

Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A.

U.S. Trust Company of Delaware is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment, insurance and annuity products:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value
Are Not Deposits Are Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency Are Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity
© Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Patent: patents.bankofamerica.com

5914696-EXP-2024-08-30
X

You need to answer some questions first

Then we can provide you with relevant answers.

Get started