In today’s world, identity theft is a common crime. With credit cards, social security numbers, and addresses floating in cyberspace and everywhere else, people are finding out more and more that their identity has been stolen. This is a crime that can leave people’s financial lives in peril. If you have become a victim, knowing what to do is the first step to getting your life back. Start with the following:

Get Help: While it is not good news that identity theft cases are on the rise, it is good news that help for victims is on the up and up as well. To begin, try going online to the Identity Theft Resource Center. This site offers several helpful links to those who have been afflicted.

Be Patient: There are certain financial organizations that are sympathetic and helpful to identity theft victims: they will gladly work with you to help. Others, however, aren’t as gracious. But, it’s important to be patient, and be persistent. Don’t give up until you get back what is yours: your name.

Get Organized: One of the first things to do as you attempt to combat identity theft is to get organized. Keep a log of every conversation you have and write down names, dates, times, etc. Keep copies of emails, letters, and financial records. It’s also a good idea to keep track of all the hours you are spending trying to regain your life: if the perpetrator is captured, he might be forced to pay restitution.

Call the Bureaus: Calling the credit bureaus and alerting them that your identity has been stolen is essential in stopping the proverbial bleeding. They will place a “Fraud” alert in your file. These alerts can make obtaining credit more difficult for the person who is trying to obtain it in your name. Technically, if you tell one credit agency, the others are supposed to be notified as well. But, this doesn’t always happen: thus, it’s a good idea to notify all three bureaus yourself.

Request Copies: Next, you’ll need to ask for copies of your credit report and examine it for erroneous information. A few key things to look for are accounts that you didn’t open, loans that you don’t have, delinquencies or collections that aren’t your fault, and inquiries that you didn’t ask for.

Ask for a Block: Ask the credit agencies to keep any more erroneous information from your report by blocking information caused by the violator. You will need to send proof that you are who you say you are as well as file an official “Identity Theft Report.” Once this report is filed, any debt that was incurred through identity theft can not be sent for collection. You may also have to sign affidavits from your bank or credit union.

Call Law Enforcement: Identity theft is a federal crime and must be reported. Some jurisdictions may not be overly concerned with identity theft, and others may be great about taking action. Regardless, filing a police report will go a long way with your creditors.

Check With the Post Office: If you believe that your violator filed a change of address form, notify your local post office and file a fake change of address form. These our available online at www.usps.com.

Check with Phone, utility companies and your bank: If a thief has your identity, it’s possible that they have opened phone accounts, utility accounts, and even bank accounts in your name. Thus, it’s important to notify all of these institutions of the theft. It’s also important to notify the major check verification companies and close any accounts the thief may have access to.

Double Check with Collection Agencies: By law, accounts that are fraudulent can’t be sent to a collection agency, but this sometimes happens. In fact, it might even happen before you realize your identity has been stolen. If you are having a hard time dealing with collection agencies, remember to stay calm and climb the ladder: ask to speak to a supervisor rather than the low man on the totem pole. Send the collection agency copies of any police reports filed as well as affidavits.

Hire a Lawyer: Identity theft is very hard to deal with. If you don’t feel it is something you can do without professional help, consider hiring a lawyer who has experience in the area.

Identity theft is devastating for the victim, but don’t give up: there is always hope. It might be an arduous process, but it is a process with light at the end of the tunnel. Contact the proper authorities, get the proper documentation, and get back to being who you are. No matter what, don’t back down. No one has a right to your identity but you.