Credit is something that is very important in our modern world and will only increase in importance as time goes on.

When you apply for a job, credit card, loan or even an apartment, your credit comes into play. If you have good credit, you will be successful in getting what you want.

Let’s go over a few tips to improve your credit score so that you can have the best chances of succeeding and improving your life in areas that require a good credit score.

Firstly, you should reduce as much as possible your debt-to-credit ratio. This also means that you should stay away from your maximum credit limit. Even if you are doing so completely within your limits, it will look bad to companies reviewing your credit because they may interpret it as you borrowing as much as you can handle month after month. Try to keep balances below 50% of your credit limit.

Next, make sure you take care of any errors in your report. This actually occurs more than you would think. Many times a utility company or lender might report one of your payments as being late and this could have adverse effects later down the road when other companies take a look at your credit.

In addition to the last point, you want to make sure you are making all your current payment on time. Late payments that have occurred recently have more of an impact than late payments that occurred many years ago.

Additionally, this is just good finance sense but you should pay off your debt. Do not simply move it around your accounts or transfer it. In the long run, this will hurt your credit.

Credit is something that is very important in our modern world and will only increase in importance as time goes on.

When you apply for a job, credit card, loan or even an apartment, your credit comes into play. If you have good credit, you will be successful in getting what you want.

Let’s go over a few tips to improve your credit score so that you can have the best chances of succeeding and improving your life in areas that require a good credit score.

First, reduce your debt-to-credit ratio as much as you possibly can. This also means that you should stay away from your maximum credit limit. Although you may be doing this completely responsibly, many companies will look at this and interpret it as you trying to borrow as much money as you possibly can which will not look good. Try to keep your balances under 50% of your credit limit.

Also, you should review and check for errors in your report. It actually occurs quite frequently that a utility company or lender might report you giving a late payment. These types of errors can have adverse effects later on.

In addition to the last point, you want to make sure you are making all your current payment on time. Late payments that have occurred recently have more of an impact than late payments that occurred many years ago.

This is also just good finance sense but you want to pay off your debt as much as possible. Do not just movie it or transfer it between your many accounts.

Like anything else involving money, credit cards are subject to fraud and theft. In most cases, in fact, fraud protection is even more important with credit cards, where big balances can be run up without the real cardholder ever knowing. Protecting your credit cards from fraud is a two-stop process that begins with preventing fraud from taking place and continues with taking action when you detect or suspect that fraud has been committed.

Precautions are simple. One of the best ways to prevent fraud is to sign your card. A signature on the back of the card helps verify that the person using the card is the same person to whom the card actually belongs. If you can get a card with your picture on it, do so. Many companies are now offering picture cards, which, along with a signature on the back, will help merchants determine whether the person attempting to use the card is the actual cardholder.

Another precaution is to never turn loose of your card or at least never let it out of your sight. This is particularly good advice in tourist areas, where typical fraud involves swiping cards more than once or making sophisticated copies of your credit card.

It’s also a good idea never to divulge the details of your credit card with anyone, particularly over the internet. Always destroy any documents, electronic or otherwise, that may contain your credit card information. Fraudsters often sift through trash, and that can include trash on your computer, to get your credit card information. It’s worth remember that con artists may also pose as reputable business people or even credit card company representatives, and you should never give your information, particularly critical information like your Personal Identification Number or PIN, out to anyone.

Not only is it not a good idea to let other people such as friends and family use your credit card, it is also illegal. While those people may have your best interests at heart, their carelessness is not a great remedy from identity theft and they may probably will not take the same precautions you would. Instead, make the purchases for them with your card and allow them to pay you back.

Keeping your personal information up to date is important as well. Let your supplier know if you move or change your name. Doing this will keep your valuable information out of the wrong hands.

It goes without saying that a lost or stolen credit card should be reported immediately to limit the damage that can be done to your charge account and, consequently, your credit score. Also, any transactions that show up on your bill that you don’t remember or that you know are incorrect should be reported immediately as they may not be mistake but signs of fraud.

Protecting yourself from credit card fraud isn’t difficult, but it does require some diligence. Simply paying attention to what you are doing with the card and what is showing up on your bill may not always be enough, but they’re a good place to start.

The theft of names, addresses, social security numbers (SSN), bank account information, credit card numbers and other personal information, commonly known as identity theft is “America’s fastest growing problem” according to a statement made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates 10 million Americans are affected each year. With every crime, knowing how to protect yourself is vitally important to avoid becoming a victim. The following are arenas where thieves prey.

Corporate Files and Databases

Hackers regularly break security codes that protect corporate databases to gather personal information they use to take over identities. This isn’t the only access weakness present. Employees have access to your information, through files, trash, and their ability to obtain information through credit reporting agencies. This may be done for their personal use or they could be conned or bribed into handing over information.

You

Constant awareness of how predators take advantage is crucial. People are mugged or pick pocketed all the time. Thieves will first follow you and easily look over your shoulder when you are using your credit or debit cards to get your pin number. Your pin can come in handy to them after they steal your cards and go crazy using them. It is frightening how easily these criminals can get at your information. They even go as far as digging in your trash for information jewel you threw out. You are not likely to hear about being robbed of your identity on the 8 o?clock news.

The Deceased

From reading the daily obituaries, a thief can take over a deceased’s identity. The identity prowlers start by forwarding this person’s mail which contains an overabundance of personal information, from credit card accounts to bank accounts, they in turn use.

Credit and Debit Cards

By using stolen credit or debit cards, thieves use a theft method called ’skimming’ or ‘eavesdropping’. According to the FTC website, “skimming occurs when an individual with [an] unauthorized radio frequency identification (RFID) reader gathers information from a RFID chip [located on credit and ATM cards] without the cardholder’s knowledge. Eavesdropping occurs when an unauthorized individual intercepts data as it is read by an authorized RFID reader.” The person swiping your cards could be stealing your information. This criminal skill can be done to the deceased and living.

Faux E-mails & Websites

Very sophisticated thieves, if they can be called that, send out e-mails under the names of legitimate websites asking for updates on information but once you hit the link the e-mails direct you to very professionally-made, fake websites. They appear to be identical to the real site you are used to. The one thing lacking is a secure, encryption system. They will ask you to log on with your user name and password which they will use later on the real website. This type of identity theft is called ‘phishing’ because thieves are ‘fishing’ for your information, the most publicized method used in identity theft.

What’s Next?

If you are already a victim, the novice criminal will just rack up your credit cards, open up a new cell phone account and possible get some new credit cards in your name, while the professional criminal will wreak havoc. They literally take on your identity; they take your name becoming you; and they get drivers licenses as you, but with their picture. They will use their newly acquired identity to get loans, open bank accounts and take out mortgages. When they, or should I say, you don’t pay for these, they claim bankruptcy which quite obviously damages your credit. If arrested for any crimes committed, criminals will use your name then, too. So now, you have a criminal record on top of everything else.

An Ounce of Prevention Goes a Long Way

It is common knowledge today that a well-balanced diet and exercise program can prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure, just to name a few. Prevention is also key to protecting your identity. Putting into practice the following suggestions will lower your chances of becoming a victim.

Social Security Number – SSN

Take a moment and think about all the instances you have provided your social security number (SSN). Was it necessary? The “do’s” and “don’ts” for this vital personal identification number are the following:

Do use alternative identification like a drivers license when possible

Do question the necessity of handing out your SSN on medical forms, job or college applications and for fishing or hunting licenses. There is no telling how they file this information and the amount of people who will readily have access. After inputting the information on the form into their database, how do they destroy the form or do they just throw it out for anyone to pick it out of their trash?

Your SSN is a critical part of your identity that serves criminals in a multitude of instances. Don’t be embarrassed to first ask before divulging this information, your identity might depend on it and there is nothing embarrassing about that.

Don’t write your SSN on any type of ID, credit card and especially, don’t print it on your checks.

Don’t ever carry your SSN card with you in your purse or wallet.

Mail

Most mailboxes are not locked and are an easily accessible source of information. Pre-approved credit card offers along with other offers that could be filled out with your information come in the daily mail. The Federal Trade Commission suggests calling 888-5OPT-OUT or logging on to https://optoutprescreen.com, operated by the major credit reporting agencies; registration will prevent offers for prescreened credit card and insurance. They also give you an option of opting out for five years or permanently. They do ask for personal information, including your home telephone number, name, SSN, and date of birth but this is a secure site that keeps this information confidential and uses it to process your request. If offers continue coming in the mail, shred them. Purchase a cross cut shredder and shred any mail with identifying information. Done daily, it’s not that hard to do. When in doubt, shred it.

Do you put up the flag on your mailbox to let the mailman know you have outgoing mail? Who else do you think this red flag alerts? You guessed it. Are you in the practice of writing your credit card number on your monthly payment checks? If so, stop. Write only the last four digits of your account and definitely, do not write your social on it. Another precautionary suggestion, deliver any outgoing mail to the post office and completely eliminate this temptation. While you are there, suspend your mail delivery if you plan on going on vacation. Bulging mailboxes are equally tempting.

Trash

The above suggestion about shredding might not have been sufficiently clear on its importance. Shred any credit card offers, card or bank statements, receipts, bills, and all mail that has your name on it. Don’t give criminals the opportunity. Picking up the trash before the sanitation trucks drive by, they can go home and rummage through it in their garage. This is not being obsessive, it is common sense. Thinking like a criminal and not giving their menacing tactics anything to look at. Shred, shred, and shred some more! Those old credit cards you had but aren’t using any more, don’t cut them up with your scissors, shred these too. Pulverize them! Are you getting the point? Shred everything before putting it in the garbage. Another option is to lock up personal and financial files in a safe or safety deposit box.

Telephone

Telemarketers can represent legitimate companies but a tell-tale sign you’re being sucked into a scam is when the offer is to good to be true and the caller starts asking for your social, credit card number, and other personal information. Don’t be fooled if the caller tells you they are calling from your bank, doctor?s office, laboratory or other familiar businesses you deal with. Before giving them any information, tell them you will call them right back with the information and use the phone number you have not the one they give you to call back. Contact your bank or doctor’s office to verify the call. More often than not, it’s a hoax.

To avoid these calls all together, register with the FTC’s “National Do Not Call Registry.” If they continue to call, tell them you’re on the do not call list and request they add you to their list as well. Hanging up is alright, too. Continued calls for the same company or organization, as well as fraudulent calls should also be reported to the FTC. This activity is a federal offense and companies can be fined for it.

Wallet

Three precautions come to mind when protecting your wallet:

1. Write ‘photo ID required’ in the signature box of your credit and debit cards. Do not sign them.

2. Today, some banks issue cards with your picture on the front. These are a favorite and an attractive incentive for opening up an account with them. You’re reducing risks by putting a picture that businesses can use to verify your identity.

3. Take everything out of your wallet that you normally carry with you. Photocopy or scan everything including the front and back of cards. If you are ever mugged or pick pocketed, you can provide authorities with visible proof of what was stolen and you’ll have companies’ phone numbers to call immediately and notify them of your loss. It should go without saying but will do so; photocopies should not be kept in the wallet but in your safe at home.

Personal Computer (PC)

Computers should be protected with a password, although this is not fool proof and professional criminals find their way around them. For a common thief, the trouble required to figure out the password will be a deterrent. Change the password to your computer often, along with passwords to sites you frequent. Use the computer to look up your name and the last four digits of your social on the World Wide Web. Thieves do slip up from time to time and you may catch them on the internet.

Deceased Relatives

Once a loved one passes away, you may want hire a lawyer to help you, identify any financial, credit card, insurance and/or loan companies the deceased might have had accounts open with or had done business with. Joint accounts should also have the deceased?s name removed. Provide all the above institutions with a copy of the death certificate, request the accounts to be closed and that an official letter confirming this action be mailed to you.

The major credit reporting agencies (i.e. TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax) should also be notified. If an identity thief tries to use the deceased?s credit, the agencies will realize there is a ‘deceased alert’ and will tell the company that the person is dead and cannot be issued credit.

Credit Report

Annually check your credit report from the credit reporting agencies, noted previously. Look for any credit cards you do not own, loans you have not taken out, and any other suspicious activity. Report anything unusual, or if you think you have been robbed of your personal information, file a report with authorities immediately. You should bring along any proof you have found to substantiate your claim. Complaints can also be reported to the FTC by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.

Conclusion

In a nut shell, becoming a victim of this crime encompasses the loss of money, it ruins your credit, criminal record, your name, and will be emotionally devastating. Keeping your guard up and staying current with new techniques being used in the identity theft world is an advantage you are giving yourself. The FTC website http://www.ftc.gov provides consumers, like you, many tools, tips, and breaking news. Add them to your ?favorites? and visit their site regularly.

If you are the victim of identify theft you need to take immediate action to minimize liability and further damage. Here’s what to do – and who to contact – if your personal information has been stolen.

If you report an identity theft within two days Visa, Mastercard and some bank-issued credit and ATM cards may limit your liability to $50. If you report within 60 days, your losses may be limited to $500. Don’t wait longer or you may be responsible for your entire loss.

Cancel your cards and ask that accounts be marked ‘closed at consumer’s request’. Do not pay excess charges, and request written confirmation once issues are resolved. Choose new and unique passwords for your new cards.

The major credit-reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – have departments dedicated to addressing fraud. If you contact one all of them should be alerted, but try to contact them individually. Ask them to issue a fraud alert to prevent damage to your credit rating. There are two types of fraud alerts: initial alerts, which remain on your credit report for 90 days, and extended alerts, which remain for seven years. To request an extended alert you will need to provide an identity theft report.

Once you have filed a fraud alert you may access your credit report. Review this for discrepancies. Unfortunately, credit agencies are not legally bound to observe fraud alerts.

Contact your local police department, and the department where the theft occurred, to file a report.

If you are contacted by a debt-collection agency, inform them of the theft. Request contact information for the creditor that hired them and contact them directly.

If your social security number has been misused, contact the Social Security Administration. Before you decide to change your social security number, remember that it will be difficult to separate your identity from the originally issued number.

If cheques have been stolen inform your bank, close your account and contact the major check-verification firms (Certegy at 1-800-437-5120 and Telecheck at 1-800-710-9898). You should also contact SCAN, a national database that tracks bad cheques, at 1-800-296-0170. Finally, call Chex Systems at 1-800-428-9623 for a copy of your consumer report, which lists accounts opened in your name.

If you have a landline, contact your telephone company. Provide a password, and instruct the company not to change your service without it. Do the same at your state’s Public Utility Commission.

If you have a cell phone, call your service provider as well as the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-CALLFCC.

Identity thieves may change your address to facilitate the delivery of fraudulently purchased merchandise. If you suspect this, notify your postal inspector through your local post office.

If you think that a driver’s license has been established in your name, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

To determine if a passport has been created in your name, contact the U.S. Department of State Passport Services Office at Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section, 1111-19th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036. Their phone number is (202)955-0430.

If bankruptcy has been filed in your name contact the U.S. Trustee at the Department of Justice in the region where the bankruptcy was filed. You may require an attorney to navigate your recovery from false bankruptcy.

If tax fraud has been committed in your name, contact the IRS at 1-877-777-4778.

If criminal violations have occurred in your name, your Attorney General can provide information to help you clear your name.

Reclaiming your identity can be time-consuming and expensive. Remain vigilant even after issues have been resolved. Request copies of your credit report regularly and review them carefully. Making an aggressive effort to protect yourself is far easier than recovering from the theft of your identity or your businesses.

The theft of names, addresses, social security numbers (SSN), bank account information, credit card numbers and other personal information, commonly known as identity theft is “America’s fastest growing problem” according to a statement made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates 10 million Americans are affected each year. With every crime, knowing how to protect yourself is vitally important to avoid becoming a victim. The following are arenas where thieves prey.

Corporate Databases and Files

Hackers regularly break security codes that protect corporate databases to gather personal information they use to take over identities. This isn’t the only access weakness present. Employees have access to your information, through files, trash, and their ability to obtain information through credit reporting agencies. This may be done for their personal use or they could be conned or bribed into handing over information.

You

Constant awareness of how predators take advantage is crucial. People are mugged or pick pocketed all the time. Thieves will first follow you and easily look over your shoulder when you are using your credit or debit cards to get your pin number. Your pin can come in handy to them after they steal your cards and go crazy using them. It is frightening how easily these criminals can get at your information. They even go as far as digging in your trash for information jewel you threw out. You are not likely to hear about being robbed of your identity on the 8 o?clock news.

The Deceased

From reading the daily obituaries, a thief can take over a deceased’s identity. The identity prowlers start by forwarding this person’s mail which contains an overabundance of personal information, from credit card accounts to bank accounts, they in turn use.

Credit and Debit Cards

By using stolen credit or debit cards, thieves use a theft method called ’skimming’ or ‘eavesdropping’. According to the FTC website, “skimming occurs when an individual with [an] unauthorized radio frequency identification (RFID) reader gathers information from a RFID chip [located on credit and ATM cards] without the cardholder’s knowledge. Eavesdropping occurs when an unauthorized individual intercepts data as it is read by an authorized RFID reader.” The person swiping your cards could be stealing your information. This criminal skill can be done to the deceased and living.

Faux E-mails & Websites

Very sophisticated thieves, if they can be called that, send out e-mails under the names of legitimate websites asking for updates on information but once you hit the link the e-mails direct you to very professionally-made, fake websites. They appear to be identical to the real site you are used to. The one thing lacking is a secure, encryption system. They will ask you to log on with your user name and password which they will use later on the real website. This type of identity theft is called ‘phishing’ because thieves are ‘fishing’ for your information, the most publicized method used in identity theft.

What’s Next?

If you are already a victim, the novice criminal will just rack up your credit cards, open up a new cell phone account and possible get some new credit cards in your name, while the professional criminal will wreak havoc. They literally take on your identity; they take your name becoming you; and they get drivers licenses as you, but with their picture. They will use their newly acquired identity to get loans, open bank accounts and take out mortgages. When they, or should I say, you don’t pay for these, they claim bankruptcy which quite obviously damages your credit. If arrested for any crimes committed, criminals will use your name then, too. So now, you have a criminal record on top of everything else.

An Ounce of Prevention Goes a Long Way

It is common knowledge today that a well-balanced diet and exercise program can prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure, just to name a few. Prevention is also key to protecting your identity. Putting into practice the following suggestions will lower your chances of becoming a victim.

Social Security Number – SSN

Take a moment and think about all the instances you have provided your social security number (SSN). Was it necessary? The “do’s” and “don’ts” for this vital personal identification number are the following:

Do use alternative identification like a drivers license when possible

Do question the necessity of handing out your SSN on medical forms, job or college applications and for fishing or hunting licenses. There is no telling how they file this information and the amount of people who will readily have access. After inputting the information on the form into their database, how do they destroy the form or do they just throw it out for anyone to pick it out of their trash?

Your SSN is a critical part of your identity that serves criminals in a multitude of instances. Don’t be embarrassed to first ask before divulging this information, your identity might depend on it and there is nothing embarrassing about that.

Don’t write your SSN on any type of ID, credit card and especially, don’t print it on your checks.

Don’t ever carry your SSN card with you in your purse or wallet.

Mail

Most mailboxes are not locked and are an easily accessible source of information. Pre-approved credit card offers along with other offers that could be filled out with your information come in the daily mail. The Federal Trade Commission suggests calling 888-5OPT-OUT or logging on to https://optoutprescreen.com, operated by the major credit reporting agencies; registration will prevent offers for prescreened credit card and insurance. They also give you an option of opting out for five years or permanently. They do ask for personal information, including your home telephone number, name, SSN, and date of birth but this is a secure site that keeps this information confidential and uses it to process your request. If offers continue coming in the mail, shred them. Purchase a cross cut shredder and shred any mail with identifying information. Done daily, it’s not that hard to do. When in doubt, shred it.

Do you put up the flag on your mailbox to let the mailman know you have outgoing mail? Who else do you think this red flag alerts? You guessed it. Are you in the practice of writing your credit card number on your monthly payment checks? If so, stop. Write only the last four digits of your account and definitely, do not write your social on it. Another precautionary suggestion, deliver any outgoing mail to the post office and completely eliminate this temptation. While you are there, suspend your mail delivery if you plan on going on vacation. Bulging mailboxes are equally tempting.

Trash

The above suggestion about shredding might not have been sufficiently clear on its importance. Shred any credit card offers, card or bank statements, receipts, bills, and all mail that has your name on it. Don’t give criminals the opportunity. Picking up the trash before the sanitation trucks drive by, they can go home and rummage through it in their garage. This is not being obsessive, it is common sense. Thinking like a criminal and not giving their menacing tactics anything to look at. Shred, shred, and shred some more! Those old credit cards you had but aren’t using any more, don’t cut them up with your scissors, shred these too. Pulverize them! Are you getting the point? Shred everything before putting it in the garbage. Another option is to lock up personal and financial files in a safe or safety deposit box.

Telephone

Telemarketers can represent legitimate companies but a tell-tale sign you’re being sucked into a scam is when the offer is to good to be true and the caller starts asking for your social, credit card number, and other personal information. Don’t be fooled if the caller tells you they are calling from your bank, doctor?s office, laboratory or other familiar businesses you deal with. Before giving them any information, tell them you will call them right back with the information and use the phone number you have not the one they give you to call back. Contact your bank or doctor’s office to verify the call. More often than not, it’s a hoax.

To avoid these calls all together, register with the FTC’s “National Do Not Call Registry.” If they continue to call, tell them you’re on the do not call list and request they add you to their list as well. Hanging up is alright, too. Continued calls for the same company or organization, as well as fraudulent calls should also be reported to the FTC. This activity is a federal offense and companies can be fined for it.

Wallet

Three precautions come to mind when protecting your wallet:

1. Write ‘photo ID required’ in the signature box of your credit and debit cards. Do not sign them.

2. Today, some banks issue cards with your picture on the front. These are a favorite and an attractive incentive for opening up an account with them. You’re reducing risks by putting a picture that businesses can use to verify your identity.

3. Take everything out of your wallet that you normally carry with you. Photocopy or scan everything including the front and back of cards. If you are ever mugged or pick pocketed, you can provide authorities with visible proof of what was stolen and you’ll have companies’ phone numbers to call immediately and notify them of your loss. It should go without saying but will do so; photocopies should not be kept in the wallet but in your safe at home.

Personal Computer (PC)

Computers should be protected with a password, although this is not fool proof and professional criminals find their way around them. For a common thief, the trouble required to figure out the password will be a deterrent. Change the password to your computer often, along with passwords to sites you frequent. Use the computer to look up your name and the last four digits of your social on the World Wide Web. Thieves do slip up from time to time and you may catch them on the internet.

Deceased Relatives

Once a loved one passes away, you may want hire a lawyer to help you, identify any financial, credit card, insurance and/or loan companies the deceased might have had accounts open with or had done business with. Joint accounts should also have the deceased?s name removed. Provide all the above institutions with a copy of the death certificate, request the accounts to be closed and that an official letter confirming this action be mailed to you.

The major credit reporting agencies (i.e. TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax) should also be notified. If an identity thief tries to use the deceased?s credit, the agencies will realize there is a ‘deceased alert’ and will tell the company that the person is dead and cannot be issued credit.

Credit Report

Annually check your credit report from the credit reporting agencies, noted previously. Look for any credit cards you do not own, loans you have not taken out, and any other suspicious activity. Report anything unusual, or if you think you have been robbed of your personal information, file a report with authorities immediately. You should bring along any proof you have found to substantiate your claim. Complaints can also be reported to the FTC by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.

Conclusion

In a nut shell, becoming a victim of this crime encompasses the loss of money, it ruins your credit, criminal record, your name, and will be emotionally devastating. Keeping your guard up and staying current with new techniques being used in the identity theft world is an advantage you are giving yourself. The FTC website http://www.ftc.gov provides consumers, like you, many tools, tips, and breaking news. Add them to your ?favorites? and visit their site regularly.

If you are the victim of identify theft you need to take immediate action to minimize liability and further damage. Here’s what to do – and who to contact – if your personal information has been stolen.

If you report an identity theft within two days Visa, Mastercard and some bank-issued credit and ATM cards may limit your liability to $50. If you report within 60 days, your losses may be limited to $500. Don’t wait longer or you may be responsible for your entire loss.

Cancel your cards and ask that accounts be marked ‘closed at consumer’s request’. Do not pay excess charges, and request written confirmation once issues are resolved. Choose new and unique passwords for your new cards.

The major credit-reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – have departments dedicated to addressing fraud. If you contact one all of them should be alerted, but try to contact them individually. Ask them to issue a fraud alert to prevent damage to your credit rating. There are two types of fraud alerts: initial alerts, which remain on your credit report for 90 days, and extended alerts, which remain for seven years. To request an extended alert you will need to provide an identity theft report.

Once you have filed a fraud alert you may access your credit report. Review this for discrepancies. Unfortunately, credit agencies are not legally bound to observe fraud alerts.

Contact your local police department, and the department where the theft occurred, to file a report.

If you are contacted by a debt-collection agency, inform them of the theft. Request contact information for the creditor that hired them and contact them directly.

If your social security number has been misused, contact the Social Security Administration. Before you decide to change your social security number, remember that it will be difficult to separate your identity from the originally issued number.

If cheques have been stolen inform your bank, close your account and contact the major check-verification firms (Certegy at 1-800-437-5120 and Telecheck at 1-800-710-9898). You should also contact SCAN, a national database that tracks bad cheques, at 1-800-296-0170. Finally, call Chex Systems at 1-800-428-9623 for a copy of your consumer report, which lists accounts opened in your name.

If you have a landline, contact your telephone company. Provide a password, and instruct the company not to change your service without it. Do the same at your state’s Public Utility Commission.

If you have a cell phone, call your service provider as well as the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-CALLFCC.

Identity thieves may change your address to facilitate the delivery of fraudulently purchased merchandise. If you suspect this, notify your postal inspector through your local post office.

If you think that a driver’s license has been established in your name, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

To determine if a passport has been created in your name, contact the U.S. Department of State Passport Services Office at Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section, 1111-19th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036. Their phone number is (202)955-0430.

If bankruptcy has been filed in your name contact the U.S. Trustee at the Department of Justice in the region where the bankruptcy was filed. You may require an attorney to navigate your recovery from false bankruptcy.

If tax fraud has been committed in your name, contact the IRS at 1-877-777-4778.

If criminal violations have occurred in your name, your Attorney General can provide information to help you clear your name.

Reclaiming your identity can be time-consuming and expensive. Remain vigilant even after issues have been resolved. Request copies of your credit report regularly and review them carefully. Making an aggressive effort to protect yourself is far easier than recovering from the theft of your identity or your businesses.

Thanks.