What to Do After Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, card numbers or account logins, to open accounts, make purchases, file taxes or get services in your name. Acting quickly limits the damage.

Step 1: Call the companies involved

Contact the fraud department of each bank, card issuer or company where fraud occurred. Ask them to close or freeze the accounts and send written confirmation. Change passwords and PINs, starting with email and banking.

Step 2: Report at IdentityTheft.gov

The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov creates an Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan with letters you can send. The report helps you dispute fraudulent accounts and get extended protections.

Step 3: Freeze your credit and add a fraud alert

• Credit freeze: stops most new credit from being opened in your name. It is free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and you can lift it temporarily when you apply for credit (FTC).
• Fraud alert: tells lenders to verify your identity. An initial alert lasts one year, and identity theft victims can get an extended alert lasting seven years (15 U.S.C. 1681c-1). Placing it with one bureau notifies the others.

Step 4: Check your credit reports

Get your reports from all three bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com and look for accounts, inquiries or addresses you do not recognize. Dispute errors in writing with each bureau; with an identity theft report, bureaus must block fraudulent information.

Step 5: File a police report if needed

Some creditors or situations, such as a known suspect, require a police report. Bring your FTC report and evidence.

Step 6: Protect your taxes

If someone filed a tax return using your Social Security number, follow the IRS identity theft process and consider an Identity Protection PIN, which prevents others from filing with your number (IRS).

Other steps

• Social Security or benefits fraud: contact the agency.
• Medical identity theft: request records from providers and insurers and review explanation-of-benefits statements.
• Debt collectors calling about fraudulent debts: dispute in writing; see what debt collectors can legally do.
• Watch for scams pretending to help victims; government agencies do not demand payment by gift card.

If you are accused of identity theft

Identity theft is a serious state and federal crime. If you are under investigation, talk to a criminal defense lawyer before speaking with investigators. See also fraud charges.

Sources

1. Federal Trade Commission: IdentityTheft.gov
2. FTC Consumer Advice: Credit freezes and fraud alerts
3. Cornell Law School LII: 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1, Identity theft prevention; fraud alerts and active duty alerts
4. IRS: Identity theft guide for individuals