What To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen

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Act Fast — Time Matters

Identity theft can escalate quickly. The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent. Many victims don’t realize what’s happening until accounts are already compromised.

Step 1: Contact Your Bank and Credit Card Companies

Immediately report any unauthorized transactions. Ask them to:

• Freeze or close compromised accounts
• Issue new cards
• Monitor suspicious activity

Step 2: Place a Credit Freeze

A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

Government guidance recommends contacting the three major credit bureaus to freeze your credit and prevent further fraud. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Step 3: Report Identity Theft

Go to IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and receive a recovery plan.

The FTC provides step-by-step recovery guidance and documentation to help restore your identity. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Step 4: Change All Passwords

• Email accounts
• Banking and financial apps
• Social media

Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.

Step 5: Check Your Credit Reports

Look for accounts or activity you don’t recognize.

Unfamiliar accounts or debts are a major sign of identity theft and should be reported immediately. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Step 6: Watch for Ongoing Fraud

• Monitor bank transactions
• Watch for new account alerts
• Be alert for suspicious emails or calls

Identity theft often continues if not fully addressed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring small suspicious charges
• Waiting too long to act
• Not freezing your credit
• Reusing the same passwords

How Identity Theft Happens

Most identity theft begins with scams such as phishing emails, fake websites, or social engineering attacks.

Learn more: What Is Identity Theft?

Prevent Future Attacks

• Verify emails and messages before clicking
• Never share personal information with unknown contacts
• Use strong password practices
• Stay informed about scams