Your mail has been stolen:

Contact your local US Postal Inspector. Stolen mail can be used to obtain new credit cards, bank or credit card statements, pre-screened credit offers or tax information. It may also be used to falsify change of address forms or to obtain your personal information through a fraud conducted by mail. To find your local postal inspector, check your telephone directory.

Your Social Security number has been used fraudulently:

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) Fraud Hotline at 1 800 269-0271.

Your passport has been lost or stolen:

Contact the United States Department of State (USDS) local field office or visit this website for assistance.

Your checks have been stolen or misused:

Close the account with your financial institution and contact these major check verification companies to request that retailers using their databases refuse to accept your checks:

• Telecheck: 1 800 710-9898 or 1 800 927-0188
• Certegy, Inc.: 1 800 437-5120
• International Check Services: 1 800 631-9656

Don't:

• Carry your Social Security card, passport or birth certificate with you except when absolutely necessary.
• Give out your Social Security number, mother's maiden name or account information over the phone, unless you are sure the caller is legitimate or you initiated the call.
• Place paid bills in your mailbox for pickup.

Do:

• Carry only necessary credit cards and identification.
• Have your mail held by the post office if you will be away from home.
• Shred credit card receipts, solicitations, cancelled checks and other financial documents before discarding.
• Have your name removed from mailing and solicitation lists.
• Request a copy of your credit report every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com.