1, 2, 3 - Do these three things immediately!

1, 2, 3 - Do these three things immediately!

	Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus and report that your identity has been stolen. Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval.
	For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions. Close these accounts. Put passwords (not your mother’s maiden name) on any new accounts you open.
	File a report with your local police or the police where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company, or others need proof of the crime later on.

Get the bigger picture

	ID Theft Affidavit
	Declaración Jurada de Robo de Identidad [solo en PDF]
	Identity Crisis... What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen (alert) [TEXT] [PDF]
	ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name (booklet)NEW [TEXT]  [PDF]
	Robo de Identidad: Also malo puede pasarle a su buen nombre   [TEXT]  [PDF]

There's help out there

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of identity theft. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, the Commission assists victims of identity theft by providing them with information to help them resolve the financial and other problems that can result from identity theft. The FTC also may refer victim complaints to other appropriate government agencies and private organizations for further action.

If you've been a victim of ID theft, you can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline.

By phone:
Toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TDD: 202-326-2502

By mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Online:
Online ID Theft Complaint Form

The FTC publishes free brochures on many consumer issues. For a complete list of publications, write for Best Sellers, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20580; or call toll free (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357), TDD (202) 326-2502.

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