Here’s the scenario. You’re on top of things and you check your credit reports regularly. After reviewing your most recent credit report, you find accounts listed on the report that you have not opened. Although this is enough to make anyone panic, having a few resources will help you streamline cleaning up these issues.

Here’s a quick guide on what to do if you suspect fraud on your credit report.

• First, put a fraud alert on your account at all three credit bureaus to make it difficult for criminals to access your credit

• Next, file a claim with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They are charged with tracking identity fraud cases, and have many resources that can help you clean up the financial mess that criminals make.

• Then, file a police report with your local authorities. Most financial institutions won’t resolve unauthorized credit claims without this type of documentation.

• Finally, check out credit monitoring services, such as Identity Guard that can promptly alert you to certain changes in your credit file.

Want to learn more about identity theft protection and our credit monitoring services?

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