How to Find Information on Identity Theft

When someone steals your personal information for fraudulent purposes you become a victim of identity theft. Since this crime is becoming common in the computer age, there is a great deal of information available on it. Here's how to find it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Go to the Web site of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file an ID Theft Complaint (see Resources below). The FTC provides information on what to do if you're a victim of identity theft and on identity theft in general.
2. Contact the police to file an Identity Theft Report, which will help in dealing with the credit agencies. Show the police your ID Theft Complaint from the FTC so they can include the information in their report.
3. Register with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, the three major credit reporting agencies. Order fraud alerts placed on your records so no new credit can be established without your express permission. You are entitled to a free credit report from each agency (see Resources below).
4. Contact all potentially affected agencies, since thieves can use just one piece of information to opens accounts, establish credit or secure government benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• Be proactive. You're more likely to get your issues straightened out if you are orderly and act expeditiously.