What to Do if You're a Victim

If you learn that your personal and/or financial information has been lost or stolen, contact one of the three major credit bureaus immediately and place a 90-day fraud alert on your credit file, and obtain a free copy of your credit report.

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; http://www.equifax.com/ ; P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, Ga. 30374

Experian: 1-888-397-3742; http://www.experian.com/ ; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, Tex. 75013

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; http://www.transunion.com/ ; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, Calif. 92834-6790

Other tips:

Get organized. In dealing with the police and financial companies, keep a record of all conversations, including the names of people you spoke with on the phone, dates and phone numbers.

Put it in writing . Follow up in writing with all contacts you've made on the phone or in person. Use certified mail, return receipt requested, and keep copies of all letters and documents. Form letters and charts to help you track your correspondence are available at the Federal Trade Commission ID theft Web site, http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft . Note the time you spent and any expenses incurred in case you are able to seek restitution in a later judgment or conviction against the thief. You may be able to obtain tax deductions for theft-related expenses.

Keep old files even if you believe your case is closed. Once resolved, most cases stay resolved, but problems can crop up.

-- B.K.

Source: FTC, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.