1. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus.
2. For accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions. Close the accounts. Put passwords on any new accounts you open. (Don't use your mother's maiden name.)
3. Possibly request a security freeze at www.atg.wa.gov/freezecharts.aspx. ID theft victims and adults 65 and older are able to place a freeze for free. Other consumers pay a $10 fee per credit reporting bureau.
4. File a complaint with the Washington Attorney General's office at www.atg.wa.gov.
5. File a report with the local police or the police where the theft took place. Get a
copy of the report to provide to banks, credit card companies or other agencies that
might need proof later.
