Identity theft can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It seems like so much that needs to be done. The effects do not have to be permanent. There are some simple steps to follow to alleviate the problem.

The first thing is to document the fraud. A local police department is the first destination. They can be very helpful in filing a police report. If you get a chance then alert the Federal Trade Commission. They can help in alerting other potential victims. The documentation is essential in your coming battle.The second step is to contact the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax. You should ask them to put a fraud alert on your credit. Every time a business checks your credit, the warning will show up that you have been a victim of identity theft. The initial fraud alert lasts 90 days, while the extended one can last seven years. Some states even allow credit freezes that restrict access to your credit report for a fee.

A through inspection of your credit report is the next step. A copy will be sent to you by the credit agencies. Check the personal information and verify every account. You must report any suspicious activity. Keep a very good record of all documentation. It is important to have written copies of all correspondence. You will have to keep this up for at least six months.

The creditors from your credit report need to be contacted. Do not skip any and do it by phone and correspondence. Document any account changes and make sure your account is flagged for any future problems. if you have any fraudulent accounts they must be contacted immediately.

The next step is to prepare for the future. Change every password on any computer accounts. Do not use obvious passwords or the same one for several accounts. Keep a folder in a secure place with every new account number and vital information and the passwords.

Some steps are unnecessary right now. Do not cancel all your accounts. This may hurt your credit rating. You should make sure all have been changed instead. It is a good idea not to open any new accounts as you go through this process.

It is important to protect yourself in the future. Shred financial documents and unsolicited credit applications before throwing them away, and do not respond to spam emails. Avoid phishing sites by always going directly to your financial institutions website or better yet physical address. Be protective of your personal information, and continue to monitor your credit information carefully. It can feel overwhelming, but with diligence and perseverance, the damage done by identity theft can be undone.