Protect yourself from identity theft with these firsthand tips

At the beginning of the year my purse was stolen from my van. Within hours the thief/ thieves used my credit cards all over Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley, spending at such stores as Target, Wal-Mart, Lowe's and many other places.

I realized it only after calling one of my credit card companies, and they told me that I had three charges that morning on it, when I knew I did not spend a dime.

One of the first cards I wish I had called on is my bank Versital Check Visa. That is directly connected to my checking account.

Luckily, my checking and savings are not connected, or they could have drained the accounts with their spending.

I was glad I didn't carry my Social Security card. I do wish I had taken out all the extra things like passes to amusement parks and only carried them if I were going to use them.

I also wish I didn't have oneof-a-kind photos in my wallet. I plan on having only scanned photos from now on.

The next day after the crimes occurred I had compiled a list of times in PST, places they shopped, amounts spent and the credit card with its number for the police and to notify the companies for video camera reference.

I contacted my bank, and this is what I was told to do when identity theft occurs: "Tell the credit bureau agencies that you may be a victim of identity theft. Ensure that none of your personal information has been compromised."

They are as follows: Experian (TRW) (www.experian.com), (888) 397-3742; Equifax (www.equifax.com), (800) 9972493; Trans-Union (http:// www.tuc.com/), (800) 888-4213.

Other steps you should also take are: 1) notify the fraud hotline at the Social Security Administration that you may be a victim of identity theft, 2) contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine if another license was issued in your name, 3) contact the Federal Trade Commission ID theft hotline and say you may have been a victim of identity theft and 4) check with your utility companies, including phone companies, for fraudulent accounts opened in your name.

Maybe this information will help your readers, in case someone else falls victim. Joyce Madison Simi Valley