Someone is using your identity. Here's how to stop them and recover.
Take a breath. This is fixable, but it takes time—usually weeks to months, not days. Here's your roadmap to stopping the fraud and reclaiming your identity.
You're not alone
Immediate Actions (Today)
Do these right now to stop ongoing damage.
Place a fraud alert at one credit bureau
10 min EasyA fraud alert is free and lasts one year. It requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You only need to contact one bureau—they're required to notify the other two.
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov
20 min EasyThis is the FTC's official identity theft recovery tool. It creates a personalized recovery plan and generates an official FTC Identity Theft Report (affidavit) that you'll need for disputes.
Save your report and reference number. You'll use this document multiple times.
File a police report
30 min Requires phone callSome creditors require a police report for fraud claims. Even if they don't, having one creates an official record. Bring your FTC affidavit and any evidence of the fraud.
Many police departments allow online reporting for identity theft. Check your local department's website.
Freeze your credit at all three bureaus
30 min EasyIf you haven't already, freeze your credit immediately to prevent any new fraudulent accounts.
Contact companies where fraud occurred
varies Requires phone callCall the fraud department of each company where accounts were opened or misused. Request that they:
- Close or freeze the fraudulent accounts
- Send you a letter confirming the account was fraudulent
- Remove any charges made on fraudulent accounts
Get the name of everyone you speak with and confirmation numbers for everything.
This Week
Complete these within the first week.
Request free credit reports from all three bureaus
15 min EasyIdentity theft victims are entitled to additional free credit reports. Review them carefully for accounts you don't recognize.
Document all fraudulent accounts
30 min ModerateCreate a spreadsheet or document listing:
- Company name and account number
- Date opened and amounts
- Who you contacted and when
- Reference/confirmation numbers
Send dispute letters to credit bureaus
45 min ModerateDispute each fraudulent account in writing. Include:
- Your FTC Identity Theft Report
- Police report (if you have one)
- Proof of your identity
- Clear identification of fraudulent accounts
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Bureaus have 30 days to investigate.
Set up IRS Identity Protection PIN
15 min EasyPrevent tax refund fraud by getting an IP PIN from the IRS.
Create your Social Security account
10 min EasyClaim your account before someone else does. Monitor for suspicious activity.
Ongoing (Weeks to Months)
Identity theft recovery is a process, not an event.
Follow up on disputes
ongoing ModerateCredit bureaus and creditors have 30-45 days to respond. If you don't hear back, follow up. Keep records of all communications.
Keep detailed records
ongoing EasySave copies of everything: letters sent, responses received, phone call notes, confirmation numbers. You may need these for months or years.
Set up ongoing credit monitoring
15 min EasyUse free services like Credit Karma to watch for new accounts or changes. See our free monitoring guide.
Check credit reports monthly until resolved
15 min EasyContinue monitoring until all fraudulent accounts are removed and no new ones appear.
Consider extended fraud alert or credit freeze maintenance
10 min EasyIdentity theft victims can place a 7-year extended fraud alert. Keep your credit freezes in place indefinitely—you can temporarily lift them when needed.
Recovery timeline expectations
Most identity theft cases take 3-6 months to fully resolve. Complex cases can take longer. Don't get discouraged—stay organized and persistent.