Perhaps you've just received a bill from a creditor you've never heard of before. Or perhaps you've just received a call from a bill collector who is demanding you pay for a widget you never bought.



Panic time.

Somebody is using your name, reference numbers (i.e., social security number, etc.) or other personal information to set up fraudulent accounts that you're getting billed for. You're now wondering if they're tapping into legitimate accounts opened by you.

You've got good reasons to be upset.

Trying to clean up the fraud after you've experienced a Identity Theft 911 moment doesn't cost just money. It costs time ... and lots of it. Some Id Theft experts estimate it will take at least 200 hours to fix or repair your records (And this is IF you uncover ID fraud as soon as it happens AND begin contacting credit reporting agencies, creditors and agencies quickly.

What are a few of most important things to do when first contacting the credit reporting agencies? Fraud victims often overlook a few of these details:

-- Request that a "fraud alert" be attached to your file for 7 years.

-- Ask that your name and contact info be taken off promotional lists immediately because this might keep a thief from using them to open new accounts with these merchants.

-- Request that all businesses or organizations that have made inquiries about or received your credit file within the past year be notified of identity theft crime committed against you.

Ask the Credit Reporting Agency not to release your credit report to anybody without getting your permission first.

-- Inform the Credit Reporting Agencies of your intention of sending a 100-word "victim statement" that can be added to your credit report. (Ask if there is a procedure or form for this).

-- Ask the Credit Reporting Agencies to respond immediately ... along with their assurance that apply everything you've asked for. (Provide your contact info, including name and phone number, where you can be reached for this purpose.

-- Ask for the addresses, names, and telephone number of creditors ... including credit card companies that allowed the identity thief to open fraud accounts. Also request the same information for any organization that has asked to see your credit file without your knowledge.

-- Ask Credit Reporting Agencies to remove all fraudulent credit inquiries made by the identity thief. Such inquiries can affect your credit rating in a negative way.

These things, among others, are a few of the most importing things you can do if you find yourself in an identity theft 911 situation.