If you are the victim of identity theft, file a report with your local police department. You might need to show it to financial institutions and credit bureaus.

Also report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and Trans Union).

Close all accounts that the thieves might have accessed. Talk to someone in each company’s fraud or security department and follow up in writing. When you open new accounts, make sure they have new account and personal identification numbers.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

For a detailed list of instructions and contacts, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.htm