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    Beginner
    2 min read 5 stepsApril 4, 2026Verified April 2026

    What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen

    Step-by-step actions to take immediately if you discover someone is using your personal information.

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Act immediately — first 24 hours matter
    2. 2.Place a fraud alert
    3. 3.Freeze your credit
    4. 4.File a police report
    5. 5.Monitor and follow up
    1

    Act immediately — first 24 hours matter

    ~18s
    If you discover unauthorized transactions, accounts you did not open, or bills for things you did not buy: call your bank and credit card companies right away to freeze your accounts, change passwords for your email and any compromised accounts, and file a report at identitytheft.gov (the FTC official recovery site).
    2

    Place a fraud alert

    ~15s
    Call any one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, Experian: 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289) and request a fraud alert. They are required to notify the other two bureaus. This makes it harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name.
    3

    Freeze your credit

    ~18s
    Contact all three bureaus to place a credit freeze. This is stronger than a fraud alert — it completely blocks new credit applications. It is free and you can lift it temporarily when needed.

    Quick Tip

    Write down the PINs each bureau gives you when you freeze your credit. You will need them to unfreeze later.

    4

    File a police report

    ~15s
    File a report with your local police department. Bring copies of fraudulent transactions, your FTC identity theft report from identitytheft.gov, and your government-issued ID. Keep a copy of the police report — creditors may ask for it.
    5

    Monitor and follow up

    ~15s
    Check your credit reports weekly for the next 6 months. Dispute any fraudulent accounts in writing with the credit bureaus. Keep records of every call, letter, and action you take. The FTC recovery plan at identitytheft.gov creates a personalized checklist you can follow.

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure