If you do become a victim of identity theft, there are ways to recover your good credit rating. First, report the identity theft to Social Security's Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. Then, report it to the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Hotline, 1-877-IDTHEFT.

You also should contact the three major credit bureaus, tell them you're an identity theft victim and ask them to place a fraud alert on your records. The credit bureaus are:

•  
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or http://www.equifax.com
  • Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 or http://www.tuc.com
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or http://www.experian.com

Also, write your creditors and ask them to contact you before opening any new accounts in your name or changing existing accounts or credit limits. For more information on identity theft, visit the Social Security Administration’s identity theft web page.

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