A note from Sheriff Steve Prator about Identity Theft:

"The following is interesting and helpful information that was passed on to me. Hopefully you will never have to go through the ordeal of having someone steal your identity, as I did."

First:

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. Now you will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel, in case of a loss. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

In case of loss or theft:
• Cancel your credit cards immediately. Have toll free telephone numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.
• File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation.

In case of fraud:
• File a police report immediately.
• Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by telephone to authorize new credit.

  The three organizations are:

  1. Equifax - 1-800-525-6285
  2. Experian, (formerly TRW) - 1-888-397-3742
  3. Trans Union - 1-800-680-7289

• Contact the Social Security Administration fraud line at
  1-800-269-0271 to report your loss and inform them of possible fraud.

Free annual credit reports are made available to consumers under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The act requires that the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union – provide to consumers, upon request, a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. 
To obtain the free credit reports, call 1-877-322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com