Skip to main content

    Identity Theft Help

    If thieves got your info, do this.

    1. Visit IdentityTheft.gov

    Official FTC site. Free recovery plan. Step-by-step.

    2. Freeze credit

    Call Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. Free freezes block new accounts in your name.

    3. File police report

    Local police. Some banks need this to dispute fraud charges.

    4. Change passwords

    All financial accounts first. Email, then social media. Use unique strong ones.

    5. Pull credit report

    annualcreditreport.com — free weekly. Look for accounts you didn't open.

    6. Skip paid services

    LifeLock and similar mostly do what you can do free yourself. Save the money.

    Recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself. Most fraud is reversed in 30-90 days.