AUGUSTA — The Maine Attorney General’s Office is reminding Maine consumers to keep an eye on their credit reports this holiday season to avoid any unwanted “gifts” in the new year, and to contact the AG’s Office for free assistance in protecting their identity and accessing free resources if they have been victimized.

“The last thing someone should do if they have been the victim of identity theft is to pay for services that are otherwise free,” said Maine Attorney General Janet Mills. “The Consumer Protection Division of our office can help people put proper safeguards in place, and if they had their private identifying or financial information stolen, we can help them file reports and get their credit back on track. We do not charge for these services.”

In addition to the free resources offered by the AG’s Office, there are free federal resources as well. The Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau both offer guidance documents and assistance with making reports.

The FTC has a page dedicated to offering advice to parents on how to protect their child’s identity from theft. The CFPB has guides for people who are serving as powers of attorney, trustees, court appointed guardians and government fiduciaries.

Consumers who have questions about these or other consumer matters may contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800- 436-2131 or at consumer.mediation@maine.gov.