How do you find out if your identity was stolen?

Unfortunately, many consumers learn their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done.

• You man find out when bill collection agencies contact you for overdue debts you never incurred.
• You may find out when you apply for a mortgage or car loan and learn that problems with your credit history are holding up the loan.
• You may find out when you get something in the mail about an apartment you never rented, a house you never bought, or a job you never held.

What personal information should I monitor regularly?

Early detection of a potential identity theft can make a big difference. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity by routinely monitoring:

Your financial statements. Monitor your financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking closely for changes you did not make.

Your credit reports. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and how you pay your bills. The law requires each of the major nationwide consumer reporting agencies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, every 12 months. If an identity thief is opening accounts in your name, these accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. To find out, order a copy of your credit reports.

Once you get your reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed. Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.

How do I get my FREE annual credit report?

An amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major repositories to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

To order your free annual credit report visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call toll free 877.322.8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You can print the form from www.ftc.gov/credit. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies individually; they provide free annual credit reports only through www.annualcreditreport.com, 877.322.8228, and Annual Credit Report Request Service.

Under federal law, you're entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance or employment, and you request your report within 60 days of receiving notice of action. The notice will give you the name, address and phone number of the consumer reporting company that supplied the information about you. You're also entitled to one free report a year if you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; you're on welfare; or your report is inaccurate because of fraud.

To buy a copy of your report, contact:

Equifax - 800.685.1111 or www.equifax.com

Experian - 888.397.3742 or www.experian.com

TransUnion - 800.916.8800 or www.transunion.com