What should I do if I experience a credit fraud issue?

Experiencing a credit fraud issue can be distressing, and it is important to act quickly to protect yourself. First, you should review your credit reports to identify any unauthorized accounts or transactions. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you notice fraud, report it immediately to your credit card issuer or bank, as they can help you dispute the charges and secure your account. Next, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This will notify creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You may also want to freeze your credit, which prevents lenders from accessing your credit report entirely until you lift the freeze. Lastly, it is advisable to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This site will guide you through the steps necessary to recover from identity theft, including how to create a recovery plan. For further assistance, you may wish to explore contacting Consumer Credit Services and referring to their current website for information.