What should individuals do if they believe they are victims of identity theft?

Individuals who believe they are victims of identity theft should take immediate and proactive steps to address the situation, making it crucial to contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a major credit bureau. The FTC provides resources and a structured process for reporting identity theft, including offering guidance on how to recover from the crime. By contacting a major credit bureau, individuals can place a fraud alert on their credit report, which helps to prevent new accounts from being opened in their name without their consent.

This combination of actions is essential because it helps protect the victim's credit and provides a structured approach to mitigating the damage that identity theft can cause. Monitoring accounts alone, as indicated in one of the incorrect options, would not be sufficient to prevent further unauthorized use or to start the recovery process effectively. Changing identity and accounts, although extreme, doesn't provide a systematic approach to addressing the root of the issue and is not practical. Consulting with a lawyer may be beneficial in some cases, but it is not typically the first step recommended in the immediate aftermath of identity theft. Thus, the recommended course of action emphasizes a quick response involving established organizations like the FTC and credit bureaus.