Q: My daughter's social security # was stolen out of her father's home and she stole her stimulus, charges on credit cards.

A: If your daughter's Social Security number was stolen and used for fraudulent activities like stealing her stimulus check and making unauthorized credit card charges, it's important to take immediate action. Identity theft can have long-term financial and legal implications.

First, report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. This website will guide you through creating a recovery plan and will provide you with an official identity theft report.

Next, contact the Social Security Administration to inform them of the theft and to discuss the steps to protect your daughter's Social Security benefits. Also, reach out to the IRS regarding the stolen stimulus check; they have procedures for dealing with this kind of fraud.

Contact the credit card companies to report the fraudulent charges. Request that they freeze or close the accounts to prevent further unauthorized use. You should also place a fraud alert on your daughter's credit reports by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This alert will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in her name.

Finally, consider filing a report with your local police department. This can provide an official record of the theft and may be helpful in disputing fraudulent charges or accounts.

Given the complexity of identity theft cases, especially involving family members, you might also want to consult with an attorney to explore additional legal actions to protect your daughter's rights and financial wellbeing.