Requires immediate systematic action. Acting within first week improves resolution.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Freeze affected accounts — Call banks/cards immediately
- Place fraud alert — One bureau notifies others. 1 year
- Get credit reports — AnnualCreditReport.com. Review line by line
- Report to FTC — IdentityTheft.gov for personalized plan
- File police report — Additional legal protections
- Dispute fraudulent accounts — Contact each creditor in writing
- Change passwords/PINs — All accounts, especially email
- Monitor credit — Weekly checks (free)
- Tax identity theft — IRS Form 14039 if suspected
- Document everything — Save all communications
Common Mistakes
- Delaying action
- Not filing police report
- Only one bureau
- Not updating credentials
- Not keeping records
Pro Tips
- IdentityTheft.gov free plan
- Extended fraud alert (7 years)
- Homeowner ID theft insurance
- Credit monitoring alerts
- Review medical records too