What to do if Your Personal Information is Stolen

The bottom line for online threats like phishing, spyware, and hackers is identity theft. ID theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. That's why it's important for your users to protect their personal information. To find out how to deter and detect identity theft, visit ftc.gov/idtheft.

If personal information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen, taking certain steps quickly can minimize the potential for the theft of identity. OnGuard Online has provided the following tips you can share with your users to help them limit the damage done when personal data has been exposed.

Click through for the steps you should take if your personal information has been compromised, as outlined by OnGuard Online.

Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

• TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-680-7289
• Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
• Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.

Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently:

• Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
• Use the ID Theft Affidavit to support your written statement.
• Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
• Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

If your driver's license/other government-issued identification is stolen, contact the agency that issued the license or other identification document. Follow its procedures to cancel the document and to get a replacement. Ask the agency to flag your file so that no one else can get a license or any other identification document from them in your name.

Then, get a copy of the police report or at the very least, the number of the report. It can help you deal with creditors who need proof of the crime. If the police are reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incidents" report, or try another jurisdiction, like your state police. You also can check with your state Attorney General's office to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for identity theft. Check the Blue Pages of your telephone directory for the phone number or check www.naag.org for a list of state Attorneys General.

Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

Online: www.ftc.gov/complaint By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261

Visit ftc.gov/idtheft and read Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft for detailed information on other steps to take in the wake of identity theft.