If you think you've become a victim of identity theft you shouldn't panic, but you should act quickly so that an investigation can begin. Identity theft can damage your credit score and your personal reputation.
Here is who to contact if you think you are a victim of identity theft.
Local Law Enforcement: Call the police, tell them everything you know about your situation, and request that a case be opened looking into the possible identity theft. You can also request a copy of the police report for your records.
Credit Reporting Bureau Fraud Units: Contact one of three bureaus to report the incident and make a victim's statement or fraud alert: Experian 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion 1-800-680-7289, Equifax 1-800-525-6285. Review a copy of your credit report. You can do this free of charge once every 12 months. Call 1-877-322-8228 or visit annualcreditreport.com.
Federal Trade Commission Fraud Hotline: Call 1-877-438-4338 and file a report. Ask for a copy of the FTC fraud affidavit.
Credit Card Companies: Close any accounts where you suspect fraud has occurred. You should also create new passwords and PIN numbers for all your credit card accounts.
Your Financial Institutions: Contact any bank or credit union where you have accounts. Let them know you suspect fraud and close any ATM, checking, savings or other accounts where you've noticed suspicious activity. Make sure recipients of payments from those accounts are aware of your situation. Set up a different way to pay for checks you've already written. Open new accounts with new passwords and PINs.
Other agencies to contact depending on what information was stolen include the Social Security Administration (Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271), the IRS, your stock broker/mutual funds or retirement account manager, the US Postal Inspection Service, Medicare/Medicaid. Check the blue section in the front of your phone book to find out how to contact government agencies in your area.
