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Step 1: Protect Your Finances - Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Get a copy of your credit report, which is free to ID theft victims. Ask that your file be flagged with a "fraud alert tag" and "victim's statement." That will limit the thief's ability to open new credit accounts, as new creditors will call you before granting credit, generally. Insist, in writing, that the fraud alert remain in place for seven years, the maximum, according to PrivacyRights.org.

Credit Bureaus

• Equifax: (800) 525-6285  www.equifax.com
• Experian: (888) 397-3742  www.experian.com
• TransUnion: (800) 680-7289  www.tuc.com
• You may also request a free credit report through www.annualcreditreport.com

Step 2: File A Police Report - You will need a police report to dispute unauthorized charges and for any insurance claims. Be persistent; your local police department may suggest that this isn't necessary, because they don't want the paperwork hassle. Also, fill out an Online ID Theft Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-ID-THEFT. That enters your case in the FTC's "Consumer Sentinel" database, a nationwide list of ID theft cases which can be used by law enforcement officers to find patterns and catch criminals.

Step 3: Close All Compromised Accounts - The list may be wider than you realize. This includes accounts with banks, credit card companies and other lenders, as well as phone companies, utilities, ISPs, and other service providers. Dispute all unauthorized charges - The FTC offers a sample dispute letter on its Web site. Disputes may require a sworn statement and a police report. The FTC also offers a form affidavit which can be used for the sworn statement at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.

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MORE HELP...

A more detailed 17-step plan to follow if your ID is stolen www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17a.htm

"When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name" - FTC document full of sample dispute letters and other recovery procedures. www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm

U.S. Department Of Justice ID Theft Kit www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html

Identity Theft Resource Center www.idtheftcenter.org

Organizing Your ID Theft Case - Good Paperwork Is Key www.privacyrights.org/fs

Disclaimer: Third-party website links are provided by Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union as a courtesy to our members. These websites are neither owned, operated, nor endorsed by Atlantic Regional and we are not responsible for the content of these sites, nor do we control their availability. You will be leaving the credit union's website. Atlantic Regional does not represent either the third party nor the member if the two enter into any transaction. Privacy and security policies may differ from those practiced by Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union.