Hurricane Katrina: Legal Issues - Columbus School of Law

If your car was submerged or standing in a foot or more of water for more than hour, have the car checked out
by a car dealer or a repair shop.
Even if the car runs, there may be hidden damage that could pose serious problems at some later date.
Be sure to get detailed written estimates and keep copies of all receipts and invoices.
If you are in the market to buy a used vehicle, inspect it carefully. Look at hidden parts or crevices to check
for mud or silt, an indication the car has been water damaged.
Identity Theft
How can I minimize my chances for becoming a victim to identity theft when I am most vulnerable?
Since "scam" telemarketers may contact you, be very hesitant before giving out personal information over the
phone to any telemarketer you are unfamiliar with or do not know.
Always ask for details in writing about the service and be wary when the term "government approved" is used
by the telemarketer.
In the near future, order your credit report from the three major credit bureaus, Equifax Information Services,
LLC, Experian, ("TRW"), and TransUnion, and review the report to make sure that no suspicious activity has
occurred.
Also ask the three major credit bureaus to remove your name from all marketing lists that they control.
Contact your local telephone service and ask that your name, address and phone number be removed from the
telephone book, reverse directories and city directories.
Change your driver's license number so that it is not your social security number. This can be done through the
offices of Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Drivers License Bureau.
If I realize that my identity has been stolen, how do I respond?
You must immediately contact your local police force or sheriff's department and inform them of your
situation.
Next, inform the creditors of your situation and point out all accounts that you feel have been affected.
Alert the fraud departments of all major credit bureaus of your situation.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or call at 1-877-IDTHEFT
(438-4338)
Complete the identity theft affidavit located at the following web address:
www.ago.state.ms.us/divisions/consumer/idtheft.pdf and mail to Office of the Attorney General, Consumer
Protection Division, P.O. Box 22947, Jackson, MS 39225-2947.
An additional step may be to consult with a private attorney about your situation.
Important Links:
http://www.ago.state.ms.us/divisions/consumer/disaster.php
http://www.ago.state.ms.us/divisions/consumer/idtheftbook.pdf
http://www.salliemae.com/katrina/index.html
Hurricane Katrina and Current/Future Credit Card Debt
How are victims of Hurricane Katrina identified and classified by banks, credit card companies, and other
financial institutions?
Financial institutions are identifying individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina by the zip code of their primary
residence. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has teamed up with the United States Postal Service to
identify areas hardest hit by the hurricane and flag them by their zip codes. This way, it is easy for financial