If you think you’re a victim of fraud, contact your credit card issuers to close or "flag" your account(s), and call your bank to put an alert on your checking accounts.
Empty your wallets of extra credit cards (and Ids) - or better yet, cancel the ones you don’t really use and keep a list of the ones you do use.
Never give out personal information over the phone, such as your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit card number(s), social security number or bank PIN code, except to someone you know or an established firm.
Shred pre-approved credit applications, credit cards receipts, bills and other financial information you don’t want before tossing them in the trash.
Financial institutions or business that handle personal information should protect consumers’ privacy by storing such material securely and ensuring it has limited access. It is essential to shred such material before disposing of it.
Consider removing your name from the marketing list of the three major credit reporting bureaus. This reduces the number of pre-approved applications you receive in the mail.
- Experian at 1-888-397-3742
- Equifax at 800-525-6285
- TransUnion at 800-680-7289
Order your credit report once a year to check for accuracy or fraudulent use.
Consumer's Guide to Identity Fraud by the US Department of Justice 
Click here for the Florida Attorney General's Identity Theft Resource and Response Center.
Who to Call for Help
- Report credit card fraud to the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian at 1-888-397-3742, Equifax at 800-525-6285 and TransUnion at 800-680-7289.
- If you’ve had stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently in your name, call these check guarantee companies: Telecheck at 800-366-2425; and the National Processing Company at 800-525-5380. They can flag your file so that counterfeit checks will be refused.
- If your Social Security number was used fraudulently, report the problem(s) to the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271. In extreme cases of fraud, it may be possible for you to get a new SSN.
- If fraudulent charges appear on your account, call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 800-388-2227 for help in clearing false claims from your credit report.
- If your a victim of identity theft that involves the U.S. Mail, call your nearest Postal Inspection Service office, and your local police.
Re-printed from National Association of Credit Managers Website.