What To Do If You Are A Victim

If you suspect your personal information has been used to commit fraud or theft, act immediately. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus and request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file. Also, request a copy of your credit report. Follow up in writing and include copies — not originals — of your documentation, such as the police report or your credit card statement with circles around the items in question.

If you believe your accounts have been tampered with or fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name, close those accounts immediately. If you have a MidFirst Bank account with unauthorized credit or debit activity, contact us immediately at 888.MIDFIRST (888.643.3477). If the fraud involves a credit card, write to the company or other provider within 60 days from when you received the first bill containing the fraudulent charges.

File a report with your local police department or the police in the community where the identity theft took place, and ask for a copy of the report. Credit card companies may need proof of the crime to erase the debts caused by identity theft.