Was your identity stolen? What to do in the first 24 hours

Discovering that your identity has been stolen can leave you feeling angry, frightened and unsure where to begin.

Maybe someone drained your bank account, opened a credit card in your name or filed a fraudulent tax return using your Social Security number .

Whatever happened, your next steps can help limit the damage.

The first 24 hours are especially important because identity thieves may continue using your information until you secure your accounts.

Fortunately, you can take several steps right away to protect yourself and begin recovering.

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IDENTITY RESTORATION: WHAT TO DO AFTER IDENTITY THEFT Identity theft can quickly spread beyond the account where you first discovered the problem.

Someone who gains access to your email, for example, might use it to reset passwords for your banking, shopping or other accounts.

That's why acting quickly can make a difference.