 TITLE: How to Report Identity Theft CONTENT: Protect Your Credit\n-------------------\nAfter you've reported the identity theft to the proper authorities and begun the process to settle disputes in your credit reports, you may want to take one or two more steps to continue to protect your credit. Those are to lock your credit or add a security freeze. You have to initiate the security freeze with all of the credit bureaus separately, and once frozen, you'll need to contact each again to lift the freeze if you're applying for a loan, credit card or other credit product that requires a credit check. All three credit bureaus also allow you to lock your credit when you enroll in their individual programs. Certain credit lock programs may also offer extra benefits such as credit monitoring. These options allow you to add protection to your credit and give you peace of mind.\nResolving identity theft isn't always easy, but following the reporting steps is a vital part of the process. Keep records of each step and of any proof you come across so you are able to prove your complaint and win your disputes. Then be patient. Resolving identity theft is a time-consuming process, taking weeks or months. The more you provide to authorities, the better they can resolve your case. END