Who should be contacted immediately after an instance of identity theft?

In the case of identity theft, it's crucial to take prompt action to mitigate the damage and begin the recovery process. Contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the credit bureaus is essential because they are key players in addressing and resolving identity theft issues.

The FTC operates a model for identity theft reporting, providing resources and guidance on how to handle the situation effectively. They can also help in filing a report, which serves as an official document of the theft. This report can be instrumental when dealing with creditors or financial institutions.

Moreover, notifying the credit bureaus is critical because it allows them to place a fraud alert on the victim’s credit report, protecting them from unauthorized new accounts and reducing the risk of further identity theft. This step is vital to maintaining the integrity of the victim's credit profile and can help secure their financial information against future fraud attempts.

Taking these steps as the immediate response allows the individual to establish a plan to recover their identity and addresses the potential long-term consequences of identity theft, making it a necessary course of action.