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You should immediately call one of the credit bureaus and ask for a free fraud alert on your credit report. The bureau you call will tell the others about the alert. Be ready to prove your identity. The credit bureau will also explain your rights.

The initial alert stays on your report for at least 90 days and you can renew it after 90 days. It allows you to order one free credit report from each credit bureau. Make sure credit bureaus have your current contact information so they can get in touch with you.

Credit bureaus are Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289).

You can visit the Federal Trade Commission website for detailed information regarding identity theft.