According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about 9 million Americans have experienced identity theft.  Identity theft is where your personal information such as your driver’s license number, social security number, name or credit card information is used without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.  U.S. News and World Report states that if you feel that you were a victim of identity theft, you should take the following 10 steps to minimize the damage once you realize you may be a victim:

• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
• Contact your local police department
• Notify the IRS and identity theft insurance, if applicable
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
• Freeze your credit
• Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered
• Tighten security on your accounts
• Review your credit reports for mystery accounts
• Scan credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges
• Open new credit card and financial accounts