Identity Theft & Credit Freezes
Protect yourself from identity theft and learn how to recover if your identity has been compromised
Identity Theft Response Checklist
If you suspect identity theft, follow these critical steps immediately:
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Complete Identity Theft Guides
Everything you need to know about protecting and recovering your identity
Types of Identity Theft
Understand different forms and how they impact victims
→Immediate Steps
Critical actions to take right now after identity theft
→How to Freeze Credit
Lock down your credit to prevent new account fraud
→Fraud Alerts
Add extra verification to credit applications
→Recovery Checklist
Complete step-by-step recovery action plan
→Credit Monitoring
Choose the right monitoring service for your needs
→File FTC Report
Create your official identity theft affidavit
→Data Breach Response
What to do when your information is compromised
→Understanding Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This can include opening credit accounts, filing fraudulent tax returns, or obtaining medical services in your name.
Common Types of Identity Theft
- Financial Identity Theft: Using your information to obtain credit, loans, or make purchases
- Tax Identity Theft: Filing false tax returns using your Social Security number
- Medical Identity Theft: Using your insurance to obtain medical care or prescription drugs
- Criminal Identity Theft: Providing your information when arrested
- Child Identity Theft: Using a child's information to open accounts
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
- Unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report
- Missing bills or financial statements
- Denied credit applications despite good credit
- Collection calls for debts you don't owe
- IRS notification that multiple tax returns were filed
- Medical bills for services you didn't receive
- Data breach notifications from companies you do business with
Immediate Steps if You're a Victim
1. Place a Fraud Alert
Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. The bureau you contact must notify the other two. A fraud alert makes it harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name.
2. Order Your Credit Reports
Review your credit reports from all three bureaus for fraudulent accounts or inquiries. You're entitled to free reports after placing a fraud alert.
3. Report to the FTC
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan. This official report can help you deal with creditors and credit bureaus.
4. File a Police Report
Contact your local police department to file a report. Keep a copy for your records as proof of the crime.
5. Close Compromised Accounts
Contact companies where fraudulent accounts were opened or existing accounts were misused. Close accounts and dispute unauthorized charges.
Credit Freezes: Your Best Protection
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Unlike fraud alerts, freezes must be placed with each credit bureau individually.
How Credit Freezes Work
- Free to place and lift
- Must be done separately at each credit bureau
- Remains in place until you lift it
- You receive a PIN or password to manage the freeze
- Doesn't affect your credit score
- Doesn't prevent you from getting your free annual credit report
When to Use a Credit Freeze
- After a data breach involving your information
- If you've been a victim of identity theft
- When you're not actively applying for credit
- To protect children or elderly family members
- As a preventive measure if you won't need credit soon
Placing a Credit Freeze
Contact each credit bureau directly:
- Equifax: freeze.equifax.com or 1-800-349-9960
- Experian: experian.com/freeze or 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: transunion.com/freeze or 1-888-909-8872
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert vs. Credit Lock
Credit Freeze
- Free by federal law
- Most secure option
- Must lift temporarily when applying for credit
Fraud Alert
- Free and lasts one year (seven years for identity theft victims)
- One bureau notifies the others
- Requires creditors to verify your identity
- Less restrictive than a freeze
Credit Lock
- Offered by credit bureaus (may have fees)
- Similar to freeze but managed through apps
- Easier to lock and unlock quickly
- Not regulated by federal law
Preventing Identity Theft
- Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Monitor your credit reports regularly
- Shred documents containing personal information
- Be cautious about sharing information online
- Use secure connections when accessing financial accounts
- Review bank and credit card statements monthly
- Don't carry your Social Security card
Recovery Timeline
Recovering from identity theft takes time and persistence:
- Immediate (1-7 days): Place fraud alerts, file reports, close accounts
- Short-term (1-3 months): Dispute fraudulent items, work with creditors
- Medium-term (3-6 months): Monitor credit, follow up on disputes
- Long-term (6-12 months): Ensure all fraudulent items are removed, rebuild credit