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Shield of Law: Victims' Legal Rights

Credit bureaus must provide victims with three free reports and, on request, place free "fraud alerts" on their accounts to prevent further abuse, lasting 90 days to a year depending on the agency.

Credit card firms can't hold you responsible for more than $50 in fraudulent charges if you can show that your card or card number has been lost or stolen. And you're not liable at all if you can prove someone else created an account in your name. Banks offer similar protection, but many users with debit card fraud problems will find recovering money difficult, says Linda Foley, co-executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center.

Many services, such as PayPal, do not give you any liability protection--all you get is what your bank or credit card company provides with the debit or credit card you use to fund your account.

Police should provide you with an incident report to be used as evidence when you are pleading your case to creditors. If the local police say they're too busy, try a sheriff or state police department.

B.T.