Falling victim to identity theft is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It’s just another part of the journey. But wait, what exactly should you do if your identity has been stolen?

Well, here are some things that you should do right away:

• Call the companies where you know the fraud occurred
• Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports
• Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission
• Depending on your situation, you may need to file a police report

Okay, but, now what?

• Close any new accounts opened in your name
• Have bogus charges removed from your accounts
• Correct your credit report
• Consider a credit report fraud alert or freeze

We know that following these steps can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. If you have any questions about any of the steps above, feel free to reach out to one of our guides. If you don’t have any questions but just want a little bit of help working through your situation, that’s okay too. Whatever it is you need, you can let us know here.

P.S. If you find out your identity thief is a friend or family member, let us know. We can help.

Financial Beginnings is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth and adults to take control of their financial futures. Their educational programs incorporate all aspects of personal finance to give individuals the foundation they need to make informed financial decisions. Financial Beginnings reaches more than 200 K-12 schools and colleges and more than 100 community-based organizations annually, serving all groups with special focus on populations most in need. For more information, visit www.financialbeginnings.org.