To make certain that you do not become responsible for any debts incurred by an identity thief, you must prove to each of the
companies where accounts were opened or used in your name that you didn’t create the debt.
A group of credit grantors, consumer advocates, and attorneys at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) developed an ID Theft
Affidavit to make it easier for fraud victims to report information. Nicor Gas utilizes this form and in addition requires a copy
of a police report, proof of residency during disputed time frame and a copy of a photo I.D. to be attached to your submission.
A completed ID Theft Affidavit must be submitted in order to prove that you did not open or post unauthorized charges to
a Nicor Gas account. Other companies could require that you submit more or different forms. Before you send the affidavit,
contact each company to find out if they accept it.
It will be necessary to provide the information in this affidavit anywhere a new account was opened in your name.
The information will enable Nicor Gas to investigate the fraud and decide the outcome of your claim. If someone made
unauthorized changes to an existing account, please call the company at 888.Nicor4U (888.642.6748) to discuss with one of
our call center representatives.
This affidavit has two parts:
• Part One – the ID Theft Affidavit – is where you report general information about yourself and the theft.
• Part Two – the Fraudulent Account Statement – is where you describe the fraudulent account(s) opened in your name. Use a
separate Fraudulent Account Statement for each account if there are multiple accounts or address included in your claim.
The above information can be submitted via facsimile to 630.388.3863 or via US Mail to PO Box 190, Aurora, IL 60507. When
you send the affidavit via US Mail, attach copies (NOT originals) of any supporting documents (for example, driver’s license or
police report). Before submitting your affidavit, review the disputed account(s) with family members or friends who may have
information about the account(s) or access to them.
Be as accurate and complete as possible. Incorrect or incomplete information will slow the process of investigating your
claim and absolving the debt. Nicor Gas cannot investigate your claim until you proved all of the required information on the
affidavit. Print clearly.
Nicor Gas will review your claim and send you a written response telling you the outcome of the investigation within 30 days.
Keep a copy of everything you submit. If you are unable to complete the affidavit, a legal guardian or someone with power of
attorney may complete it for you. Except as noted, the information you provide will be used only by the company to process
your affidavit, investigate the events you report, and help stop further fraud. If this affidavit is requested in a lawsuit, the
company might have to provide it to the requesting party. Completing this affidavit does not guarantee that the identity thief
will be prosecuted or that the debt will be cleared.
If you haven’t already done so, report the fraud to the following organizations:
1. Any one of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Fraud alerts can help
prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. The company you call is required to contact the
other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too.
· Equifax 800.525.6285 equifax.com
· Experian 888.EXPERIAN (397.3742) experian.com
· TransUnion 800.680.7289 transunion.com
In addition to placing the fraud alert, the three consumer reporting companies will send you free copies of your credit
reports, and, if you ask, they will display only the last four digits of your Social Security number on your credit reports.
2. Close the accounts where you believe the fraud/theft has occurred. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals)
of supporting documents. It’s important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by
certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your
correspondence and enclosures.
When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Avoid using easily available
information like your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your
phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
Instructions for completing the ID The Affidavit