What Happens If You Are an Identity-Theft Victim?

Notify Credit Agencies

If you have been the victim of identity theft, immediately report the theft to all three credit-reporting agencies, including: Equifax at (888) 766-0008; Experian at www.experian.com/fraud; and Trans Union at fvad@transunion.com. The agencies do not share the information with each other, so be sure to contact all three.
The agencies will each send you a packet of information about identity-theft victim's rights. You will need to call each agency and request that your account be put on fraud alert for seven years, and you can also request a free copy of your credit report from each of them.
If you are a victim of identity theft you will have to make a lot of phone calls and do a lot of paperwork to clear your name of the fraudulent charges. It can be scary and overwhelming, but it's imperative that you take all of the necessary steps.
Make copies of all correspondence between you and the credit agencies and keep all of the documentation in one place. It is best to use certified mail so that you are reassured that your communications arrive safely.

Notify Law Enforcement and the FTC

The identify theft should also be reported to your local police department, filed as an identity-theft report and not as any other type of crime. Make sure you keep the name and phone number of the police officer assigned to your case because banks and creditors will want it as proof that you have actually been the victim of identity theft. Ask to keep a copy of the police report for your records, as well.
In addition, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, which has an online form available at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/. While the FTC will not actually help you resolve the situation, it will have an official record on file that you were a victim of identity theft.

Keeping Track of Credit Report and Fraudulent Accounts

Once all the necessary groups have been notified, you will need to monitor your credit report and close all affected accounts. Banks and credit-card companies may require that you send a copy of the police report as proof. You will have to work with the banks to determine which accounts were affected.
When dealing with debt collectors seeking payment on accounts used by the identity thief you will have to prove that you have filed a police report and placed an identity-theft alert on your credit reports. Be sure to get the name and phone number of the person you are working with at the debt-collection company, document every conversation and save copies of all email and other correspondence.