Act through official channels
Start at IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and create a recovery plan. Contact affected financial institutions using verified numbers, change compromised credentials, and review account activity.
Protect credit files
Consider a security freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze restricts access to a credit file but does not repair existing fraudulent information. A fraud alert is different; review the official descriptions before choosing.
Preserve a clean evidence set
Keep the identity-theft report, police report if one exists, creditor correspondence, transaction records, screenshots, and delivery receipts in storage you control. Share only what an official recipient requires.
Request appropriate corrections or blocks
The FCRA provides an identity-theft blocking process when required documentation is supplied. Follow each bureau's instructions, identify the information precisely, and keep copies.
Official sources
Key law references
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681c-2
Educational Use Only