What to do if your identity is stolen

If you believe you are a victim of identity theft:

• File a police report to document the crime for your creditors. Make sure you get the report number and a copy.
• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 (toll-free) or the FTC complaint assistant.
• Contact all your creditors such as your bank or credit union, credit card company, cellphone provider and other utilities, and your health insurance provider.

You have been hacked, now what?

• Update your computer’s security software (virus and firewall protection) and run it to scan for viruses and malicious software (malware).
• Set your security software, Internet browser, and operating system (Windows or Mac OS) to update automatically.
• Change your passwords; if you use similar passwords for other accounts, change them as well. Use strong passwords: eight to 12 characters mixed with numbers, letters and symbols.
• Check the advice your email provider or social networking site has about restoring your account.