We've all heard horror stories about fraud that can be committed in your name, address, Social Security number, credit, etc. Thieves have been known to incur an expensive monthly cell phone package, apply for a credit card, have a credit line approved to buy a computer, obtain a PIN number from DMV to change driving record information online, and more.

Here is some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation.

But here's what is perhaps most important: Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. Without this alert thieves are often able to take out credit in your name without your knowledge.

The numbers are: