Can you imagine what it feels like for your identity to be stolen? Everything that defines who you are on paper—your name, bank information, driver’s license, social security number, date of birth— all in the hands of a criminal. Identity theft is rampant, and sadly thousands of Americans have to deal with this everyday.

Identity thieves can get your personal information from a variety of sources. If you have sent credit card or other personal information over the Internet, it can be stolen. Thieves can also derive information from credit card receipts or bank records.

If you’ve become a victim of identity theft, take these steps immediately.

Identity theft is a criminal act, and should not be taken lightly. After you have taken the above steps, it is recommended to consult with an experienced Lead Counsel criminal law attorney in your area who can discuss your legal rights and the litigation options available to you.