Identity Theft a Possibility?

Take a look at this handout from the Federal Trade Commission, "What to Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised." It gives suggestions about contacting financial institutions, public agencies and credit agencies, which you should contact to set a fraud alert or have your account flagged or closed. Their identity theft site can provide detailed guidance to "deter, detect and defend against identity theft," including sample letters. Be sure to keep a record of all your contacts and correspondence.

Another useful site is the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), which provides fact sheets and sample letters for working through the problem. An especially useful one discusses what to do if a purse or wallet is lost or stolen.

Websites referenced:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt150.shtm
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt150.pdf
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.html
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.shtm

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/index.html
http://www.idtheftcenter.org/artman2/publish/v_fact_sheets/Fact_Sheet_104.shtml