| The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set out | | | | need proof of the crime later. |
| these tips to follow if you are a victim of identity theft. | | | | 7. Contact the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at |
| | | | 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) to report the theft. |
| 1. Call the fraud departments of each of the three | | | | Counselors will note your complaint and advise you |
| major credit bureaus, report the theft, request that a | | | | how to deal with credit-related problems that could |
| "fraud alert" be placed on their files and that no new | | | | result from identity theft. The Identity Theft Hotline |
| credit be issued without their approval. | | | | website ([ gives consumers one place to report the |
| 2. - Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 | | | | theft to the federal government and receive additional |
| 3. - Experian: 1-888-397-3742 | | | | information. |
| 4. - Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 | | | | Help stamp out the crime of identity theft. Always |
| 5. For any accounts that have been fraudulently | | | | safeguard credit cards or driver licenses whenever |
| opened or accessed, call the security departments of | | | | you go out to make purchases with your cards. Make |
| the appropriate creditors or financial institutions. Close | | | | sure you get a receipt of the transaction. If they ask |
| these accounts right away. Place passwords (not your | | | | for a picture ID, be sure to get that back from the |
| mother's maiden name or social security number) on | | | | merchant before you leave the store. A simple driver |
| any new accounts they open. | | | | license that is found lying on street can be picked up |
| 6. File a police report in the jurisdiction where the | | | | by anybody who can use the information to open up |
| identity theft took place. Get the report number or a | | | | credit card or bank accounts in your name. |
| copy of the report in case the bank, creditor, or others | | | | |