(1) If you are a US citizen and an Identity Theft victim, go directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website at Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft for answers to questions about filing a complaint, a crime report, as well as a step-by-step approach to recovering your good name. The FTC offers a Key Publication,"Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft," in PDF form.

(2) Also, visit Identity Theft Resource Center | A Nonprofit Organization where there are numerous self-help guides, scam alerts, fraud declaration forms and request letters. This user friendly site covers assistance on lost/stolen wallets, on victim issues and medical identity theft. They offer victim support plus resources galore, including prevention tips. If you need assistance, email victims@identitytheftcenter.org or questions@idtheftcenter.org. Or, call ITRC Victim Assistance Center at (858) 693-7935.

(3) Fraudwatch International - Anti-Phishing Specialists > Identity Theft > Help for Victims of Identity Theft is a web page with a basic four-step approach to Identity Theft.

(4) The US Secret Service website (United States Secret Service) has a FAQ section that gives tips on protecting yourself against fraud and Identity Theft.

(5) A legitimate credit counseling agency can help restore (rehab) your credit rating. To educate yourself on the subject, click on BBB Alerts & News. This page tells you how to check out an agency, what is involved in making a debt management plan and points out red flag warnings. At the bottom of the screen, the bbb plugs Clearpoint Financial Solutions, Inc., their national non-profit organization. In addition, there are 151 other articles listed under their Finance/Credit section. If you are interested in learning more, open BBB Alerts & News.

(6) To read how to better secure your personal financial information, open Phishing Refresher in this website's Reporting Fraud section.

(7) "From Victim to Victor, a step by step Guide to ending the nightmare of Identity Theft," by Mari J. Frank & Dale Fethering, is a good buy at $26.37 on Amazon.com. The second Edition comes with a CD.

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Credit Reporting Agencies:

TransUnion 1-800-888-4213 TransUnion
To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289 TDD: 1-877-553-7803

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN Experian | Free Credit Report and Credit Score | Check Your Online Credit Report Today.
To report fraud: 1-888-397-3742 TDD: 1-800-972-0322

Equifax 1-800-685-1111 Equifax Personal Solutions: Credit Reports, Credit Scores, Protection Against Identity Theft
To report fraud 1-800-525-6285
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