Identity Theft is a growing problem and occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This is a serious crime. It can take a person months or years to straighten out their financial records after thieves have stolen their identity.  If you think your identity has been stolen, here's what you should do:

• Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
• Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or openedfraudulently.
• File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors.
• File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft casesused by law enforcement agencies for investigations.

For more in-depth information on recovering from identity theft and help with specific problems check the FTC website:VIEW

For additional information on identity theft and other consumer related issues, visit the Iowa Attorney General's website: VIEW

How to contact the three major credit bureaus:

Equifax-  Website:VIEW
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285 and write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Hearing impaired call 1-800-255-0056 and ask the operator to call the Auto Disclosure Line at 1-800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report.

Experian- Website:VIEW
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013

To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write:
P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013
TDD: 1-800-972-0322

Trans Union- Website:VIEW
To order your report, call: 800-888-4213 or write:
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022

To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
TDD: 1-877-553-7803