 
If you are victim of identity theft
There are important steps to follow if you believe you are a victim of identity theft. Only those who are prepared to fight back will likely survive this crime undamaged. Don't be a victim. Fight back.
Step 1 - Contact the Credit Bureaus
Every credit bureau has a fraud unit. Report all theft of credit cards, credit card numbers and any other personal information. Any victim of identity theft must be supplied with a free copy of their credit report. Always request a copy from every credit bureau. Request that your credit file is flagged with a 'fraud alert'. Fraud alerts are most often automatically left on a credit report for 2-3 months; however, this time period can be extended to up to 7 years upon receipt of a written request. Request the addition of a victim's statement to your credit report, advising all those checking your credit report to contact you. Monitor your credit report continuously. Request a new copy every 3-4 months.
Request the names and contact numbers for any creditor that has granted fraudulent credit. Request that the credit bureau contact anyone who has received a copy of your credit report over the previously 6 months (2 years for employers) to advise them of the disputed information. Once police reports of the fraudulent accounts have been received by the credit bureau, the credit bureau must remove them from your credit report.
Step 2 - Contact your creditors
Contact every creditor, in writing, where your name has been used fraudulently. Get new accounts and numbers for all accounts that have been used fraudulently, and request that all old accounts be closed.
Step 3 - Report the Crime
Report the crime to your local police department, and any police department in the area where the crime took place. Ensure that all police reports list all fraudulent accounts. As well, report the crime to the FTC.
Step 4 - Stop payments on all checks
Stop payment on all checks and cancel all savings and checking accounts. Open new accounts, with new numbers and new passwords.
Step 5 - Cancel all ATM and debit cards
Monitor bank statements closely to ensure no unusual charges appear.
Step 6 - Contact the Post Office
Ensure that no change of address has been filed.
Step 7 - Contact the Social Security Administration
Changing your social security number (SSN) is usually not advised. Instead, request a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefits Statement. Ensure that it is accurate and that no one is using your SSN for employment purposes.
Step 8 - Contact the Passport Office
Ensure that no person has applied for a passport in your name.
Step 9 - Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles
Ensure that no person is using your driver's license number for any reason, and that no requests have been made for a new driver's license. If your driver's license or license number is being used fraudulently, request a new driver's license number.
Step 10 - Get Legal Help
Legal action may be required if difficulty in removing fraudulent activity from your credit report occurs. As well, do not pay any bill or any part of a bill that is a result of fraud. As well, do not file for bankruptcy due to identity theft. Seek legal representation if you decide you need help regaining your financial history.
The U.S. government offers excellent information about identity theft. The Privacy Rights website provides statistics and personal stories about the crime of identity theft.
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