If you suspect or become a victim of identity theft, follow these steps:

• Report it to your financial institution. Call the phone number on your account statement or on the back of your credit or debit card.
• Report the fraud to your local police. Keep a copy of the police report, which will make it easier to prove your case to creditors and retailers.
• Contact the credit-reporting bureaus and ask them to flag your account with a fraud alert, whch asks merchants not to grant new credit without your approval.

To help victims of identity theft, the FTC offers the publication, Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft, which includes the ID Theft Affidavit. You can use the affidavit to report the theft to most of the parties involved. All three credit bureaus and many major creditors have agreed to accept the affidavit. Request a copy of the publation by calling toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft. You can also use this website to file a complaint with the FTC.

The FTC also publishes a series of publications about the importance of personal information privacy. To download copies, go to www.ftc.gov or request free copies of brochures by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).