Social Security: What to do if your identity is stolen

Gregory Holmes, district manager for Social Security

Q. What can I do if I think someone has stolen my identity?

A. You should do several things, including:

• File a report with the local police or the police department where the identity theft took place, and keep a copy of the police report as proof of the crime.

• Notify the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-ID-THEFT or 1-877-438-4338).

• File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.