1.    Act quickly. Contact your financial institutions and credit card issuers immediately to report any unauthorized transactions or accounts opened in your name. Request that they freeze or close the affected accounts to prevent further fraudulent activity. 

2.    File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their IdentityTheft.gov website or by calling their toll-free hotline. The FTC will provide you with a personalized recovery plan and guide you through the process of reporting and resolving identity theft-related issues.

3.    Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent additional unauthorized access to your credit information. While you’re at it, review your credit reports and dispute any lines of credit you don’t recognize.

4.    Document all correspondence and interactions related to the identity theft, including dates, times, and names of individuals you spoke with. Keep copies of any letters, emails, or documentation provided by creditors, financial institutions, or the FTC.

5.    Consider contacting local law enforcement to file a police report about the identity theft. Having a police report can provide additional documentation and credibility when disputing fraudulent activity with creditors and credit bureaus.

In summary, your best defense against fraud or identity theft is attention.  Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports regularly for any signs of ongoing identity theft or fraudulent activity. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly to prevent further harm to your finances and credit.