Identity theft is a crime wherein sensitive information about you is deliberately acquired by other people, basically for financial gains. The problem is in solving it because most often, it takes time before you know that you already are a victim. Usually, it takes a year for the victim to know about such theft. Such a mishap it is, for the thief's purpose is to use your information as gainful and as quick as possible.<br><br>The fact of the matter is, your name is on the line. There are a lot of things that identity stealing can do to damage your name and all the information which may come with your most sensitive accounts and documents. Here are a few things that thieves could do upon acquiring your information:<br><br>- Change of Address<br><br>The first thing that they might do is to change the mailing address of your credit cards so that you may not know the transactions that follow the crime. This will also give them full use of the account and they could even manage to get another credit card. Thus, take it as a warning if you are not getting any bill mails from your credit companies.<br><br>- Use Your Name in Exploitation<br><br>As fast as time can allow, thieves will want to get the most out of your credit cards and your information. They may use your name to file bankruptcy so that they may be relieved from the debts that they have made with your accounts. They can open your bank accounts and gradually withdraw your savings until nothing is left of it.<br><br>- Credit Card Spree<br><br>Having the opportunity of a credit card that is not in the thief's name, the criminal can go on a spending spree until a great debt has been incurred in your name. The extensive use can go on from shopping from the small buys to home appliances and even auto loans.<br><br>There are various factors which can help you determine if you have found out the dirty deed behind your back. Much importantly, you have to make the quickest move possible to stop the identity exploitation and clear your name. Here is what you should do:<br><br>1. Set an alert on your credit cards with your companies<br><br>You may stop any opening of accounts with your personal information by raising an alert with your credit card companies. Contact one of these report companies for further assistance:<br><br>Equifax: www.equifax.com<br><br>1-800-525-6285<br><br>P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374- 0241<br><br>Experian: www.experian.com<br><br>1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742);<br><br>P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013<br><br>TransUnion: www.transunion.com<br><br>1-800-680-7289<br><br>Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790<br><br>2. File all necessary reports and complaints<br><br>Identity theft must be reported to the police; especially if there have been car or house break-ins before discovering about the identity theft. The robbery might have given the robbers your identity and the cause for the identity exploitation. The Federal Trade Commission can help you track and identify thieves.<br><br>3. Contacts and records<br><br>Make sure to contact every possible company where you have credit cards issued. Announce an identity theft by sending letters. Make sure to use certified mail and always keep a copy for future use. Record and update your actions.