Hopefully you don't need this advice because you've been victimized, but this is something everyone should know.

If you ever become a victim of online fraud or any other form of fraud where you believe or know your personal information has been obtained or used improperly, there are a number of things you need to do. Microsoft's Security at Home team has put together a list of things you should do. They include:

  • Close any affected accounts - both verbally on the phone and in documented written form

  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports - will all the credit reporting agencies

  • Contact the proper authorities - both federal (FTC) and local (police or sheriff's office)

  • Record and save everything - document, document, document

That's all good advice in general. Additional resources and more specific information is available on their web site.