The following steps can help you straighten out the damage done by identity theft and help you regain control.

Credit or debit card accounts: If you discover that an identity thief has changed the billing address of an existing account, close the account. When you open a new account, ask that a password be used before any inquiries or changes can be made on the account.

Bank accounts: If you have reason to believe that an identity thief has tampered with your bank accounts, checks or ATM card, close the accounts immediately. When you open new accounts, insist on password only access to minimize the chance that an identity thief can violate the accounts.

In addition, if your checks have been stolen or misused, contact your bank to obtain stop payment instructions.

If your ATM card has been lost, stolen or otherwise compromised, cancel the card as soon as you can and get another with a new PIN.

Investments: If you believe that an identity thief has tampered with your securities investments or brokerage account, immediately report it to your broker or account officer.

Phone service: If an identity thief has established new phone service in your name; is making unauthorized calls that seem to come from - and are billed to - your cellular phone; or is using your calling card and PIN, contact your service provider immediately to cancel the account and/ or calling card. Open new accounts and choose new PINs.