Article: This website contains resources to assist you in reporting and recovering from identity theft. Even better, the resources are free. Many companies have identity fraud departments. Speak to this department or, if there is not an identity fraud department, then speak to a manager. Explain that you did not make the purchases and that someone stole your identity.  Request that any account be closed. If you have an account with the business, then change your logins, passwords, and PINs. If you do not already have a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your accounts, then you should request that one or the other be put in place. Call the credit reporting agencies to request. Go through the credit report to see if any charges have been made or if new accounts have been opened in your name. You will want to know the full extent of the fraud so that you can respond appropriately. You should report your theft to the FTC. You can do so by visiting the FTC Complaint Assistant and selecting “Identity Theft” under “Select a Category.” You can then choose your sub-category: Identity Theft, Attempted Identity Theft, Data Breach, or Lost Wallet or Purse.  Answer the Complaint Assistant's questions. If you need to chat with a tech specialist, you can click on the icon in the upper-right corner. Someone is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Once you answer the questions, you should be given an Identity Theft Affidavit. Save this and print it off. You can also complain to the FTC by phone. Call 1-877-438-4338 to make your report. You should go to your local police department and request to make a report of identity theft. When you finish, you should get a copy of your police report. Take the following to the police department:  any proof of the identity theft, such as bills, statements, IRS notices, etc. a valid photo identification issued by the government a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit proof of your address the FTC's Memo to Law Enforcement available for download at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0088-ftc-memo-law-enforcement.pdf.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Visit Identitytheft.gov. Call the companies where the fraud took place. Place a fraud alert on your credit report. Request a credit report. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). File a report with your police department.