Act Quickly — Time Matters
The sooner you act, the less damage a thief can do. Start with Step 1 today, even if you can only do one thing right now. IdentityTheft.gov (run by the FTC) will walk you through a personalized recovery plan at no cost.
Immediate Actions (Do These First)
Go to IdentityTheft.gov
The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov is the official starting point for identity theft victims. It creates a personalized recovery plan, generates pre-filled letters to send to creditors and credit bureaus, and tracks your progress. This is the single most important first step.
Visit IdentityTheft.govPlace a fraud alert with one credit bureau
Contact any one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — to place a free fraud alert. The bureau you contact is required to notify the other two. A fraud alert requires lenders to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name.
Freeze your credit at all three bureaus
A credit freeze is stronger than a fraud alert — it prevents new credit from being opened in your name entirely. Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It is free and you can lift it temporarily when you need to apply for credit.
Credit freeze guideChange compromised passwords immediately
If you know which accounts were accessed, change those passwords immediately. Use a unique, strong password for each account. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Report to Authorities
File an Identity Theft Report with the FTC
An FTC Identity Theft Report is a legal document that gives you important rights — including the ability to block fraudulent information from your credit report and stop debt collectors from collecting debts that resulted from identity theft.
File at IdentityTheft.govFile a police report with your local department
Some creditors and credit bureaus require a police report to process your dispute. Bring your FTC Identity Theft Report and any evidence of the theft. Ask for a copy of the report for your records.
Report to the FBI if the theft involved online fraud
If your identity was stolen through an online scam, data breach, or cybercrime, file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
File at IC3.govDispute Fraudulent Accounts & Charges
Request your free credit reports
Get your credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized source for free credit reports. Review each report carefully for accounts you don't recognize, inquiries you didn't authorize, or incorrect personal information.
AnnualCreditReport.comDispute fraudulent items with each credit bureau
Write to each credit bureau to dispute any fraudulent accounts or information. Include your FTC Identity Theft Report. The bureau must investigate and remove fraudulent information within 30 days. IdentityTheft.gov generates pre-filled dispute letters for you.
Contact creditors directly for fraudulent accounts
Contact the fraud department of each creditor where a fraudulent account was opened. Provide your FTC Identity Theft Report. Ask them to close the account and send you written confirmation. Keep records of every call and letter.
Ongoing Monitoring & Protection
Monitor your credit reports regularly
After resolving the immediate theft, check your credit reports every few months for at least a year. You can stagger your free reports — one bureau every four months — to maintain year-round monitoring.
Consider an extended fraud alert or credit lock
An extended fraud alert lasts seven years and requires creditors to contact you before opening new credit. A credit lock (offered by each bureau) provides similar protection and can be toggled on and off more easily than a freeze.
Watch for signs of tax identity theft
If a thief files a tax return using your Social Security number, you may receive an IRS notice or find you cannot e-file. Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 and file IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit).
Your Legal Rights as an Identity Theft Victim
- You have the right to place a free fraud alert with any credit bureau, which must notify the other two.
- You have the right to a free credit freeze at each bureau, which blocks new credit from being opened in your name.
- You have the right to free copies of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- You have the right to block fraudulent information from your credit report using an FTC Identity Theft Report.
- You have the right to stop debt collectors from collecting debts that resulted from identity theft.
- You have the right to extended fraud alert protection for seven years if you file an FTC Identity Theft Report.
This page provides consumer education only. It is not legal advice. CyberIdentityTheft.com is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or any government agency. Always consult official government resources and, if needed, a licensed attorney for your specific situation.