Credit Education
Identity Theft
Freeze, fraud alerts, recovery.
16
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All guides in this topic
Identity Theft
Credit Monitoring After Identity Theft
Once your identity has been stolen, monitoring your credit becomes essential. This guide covers what to monitor, how often, and which services are worth using — including free options.
Guide 2
1 minHow to Freeze Your Credit
Step-by-step guide to placing a security freeze at all three bureaus.
Guide 3
1 minWhat to Do If Identity is Stolen
The immediate 8-step action plan when you discover identity theft.
Guide 4
1 minFraud Alert vs Credit Freeze
Comparing protections, costs, and when each makes sense.
Guide 5
1 minHow to File an FTC Identity Theft Report
Using IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan and FTC report.
Guide 6
1 minMedical Identity Theft
A less-discussed form of ID theft that can affect insurance and care.
Guide 7
1 minChild Identity Theft
How thieves use children SSNs and how parents can protect them.
Guide 8
1 minDark Web Monitoring
What dark web monitoring services find and whether they are worth it.
Guide 9
1 minIdentity Theft Recovery Checklist
A complete, ordered recovery checklist after confirmed identity theft.
Guide 10
7 minHow to Freeze Your Credit: Step-by-Step for All Three Bureaus
A security freeze is the strongest protection against new-account identity theft. Learn how to freeze and unfreeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for free.
Guide 11
6 minCredit Freeze Explained: The Strongest Protection Against New-Account Fraud
A credit freeze is free, permanent until you lift it, and prevents any new lender from accessing your report. Here is what it does, what it does not affect, and how to place one in minutes.
Guide 12
6 minFraud Alerts: How They Work and When to Use One Instead of a Freeze
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. It is less protective than a freeze but easier to manage when you are actively applying for credit.
Guide 13
7 minTypes of Identity Theft: Financial, Medical, Tax, Synthetic, and More
Identity theft goes far beyond stolen credit cards. Here are all the major types — financial, medical, tax, synthetic, and child — with how each works and what to do.
Guide 14
7 minIdentity Theft — Immediate Steps to Take When You Discover It
Every hour matters after discovering identity theft. Here is the exact sequence of actions to take — freeze first, then FTC report, then dispute — in order of urgency.
Guide 15
5 minHow to File an FTC Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov
An FTC Identity Theft Report is a legal document that gives you special dispute rights under the FCRA. Here is what it is, why you need it, and the exact steps to file.
Guide 16
6 minData Breach Response: What to Do When Your Information Is Exposed
Receiving a data breach notification does not mean fraud has occurred — yet. Here is the exact response protocol to protect yourself before thieves can use your exposed information.
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Immediate steps if you discover identity theft
Act in this order. Speed matters — the sooner you act, the fewer accounts a thief can open.
Place a fraud alert (free, immediate)
Within hoursCall or go online to any one bureau — they must notify the other two. Lenders must take extra steps to verify identity before opening new credit.
Request free fraud victim credit reports
Within 24 hoursYou're entitled to free reports from all three bureaus. Review every account, inquiry, and address.
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov
Within 24 hoursThe FTC's official identity theft reporting site. Creates an official FTC Identity Theft Report — required for some fraud disputes.
Place a credit freeze at all 3 bureaus
Within 24–48 hoursA freeze blocks new credit from being opened. Unlike a fraud alert, it physically prevents access. Must be done at each bureau separately.
Dispute fraudulent accounts
Within 1 weekSend dispute letters to bureaus attaching your FTC report. Bureaus must block fraudulent info within 4 business days of receiving the FTC report.
Notify affected creditors in writing
Within 1 weekContact each institution where fraud occurred. Request written confirmation. Ask for account closure and replacement cards.
File a police report (if applicable)
As soon as possibleUseful if you know who committed the theft or if creditors require it for fraud claims.
Monitor for new activity
OngoingSet up credit monitoring alerts. Check reports monthly for 6–12 months after a theft.
Credit freeze vs. fraud alert vs. credit lock
| Protection | Cost | Blocks new accounts? | Duration | How to place | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security freeze | Free (law requires) | Yes — lender cannot access frozen file | Permanent until you lift it | Each bureau separately: online, phone, or mail | FCRA § 605A (EGRRCPA 2018) |
| Initial fraud alert | Free | No — only requires lender verification step | 1 year (renewable) | One bureau (must notify others) | FCRA § 605A |
| Extended fraud alert | Free (ID theft victims) | No — requires in-person verification | 7 years | Must submit FTC Identity Theft Report | FCRA § 605A |
| Active duty alert | Free (service members) | No — requires verification | 1 year | One bureau (must notify others) | FCRA § 605A(b) |
| Credit lock (bureau product) | Free or fee-based | Yes (if active) | Varies by product | Each bureau's app or website | Product terms only — not federal law |
Types of identity theft — frequency
Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network
Explore more from That.You Credit
Credit Score Guides
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Credit Report Disputes
Templates, timelines, and tactics
Your Consumer Rights
FCRA, FDCPA, and federal laws
Debt Relief Options
Consolidation, settlements, bankruptcy
Identity Theft
Freeze, disputes, and recovery steps
Credit Monitoring
Free tools and alert setup
Collections & Charge-offs
Zombie debt, pay-for-delete, and more
Building Credit
Secured cards, authorized users, and more
Debt Payoff Calculator
Credit Utilization Tool
Budget Planner
Balance Transfer Savings
Debt-to-Income Calculator
Emergency Fund Calculator
Common Questions — Quick Answers
Educational content only. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or personal financial advice. Results vary. Laws and bureau processes change. Consult the CFPB, FTC, and AnnualCreditReport.com for authoritative guidance. Full disclaimer
Explore more from That.You Credit
Credit Score Guides
Ranges, factors, and improvement plans
Credit Report Disputes
Templates, timelines, and tactics
Your Consumer Rights
FCRA, FDCPA, and federal laws
Debt Relief Options
Consolidation, settlements, bankruptcy
Identity Theft
Freeze, disputes, and recovery steps
Credit Monitoring
Free tools and alert setup
Collections & Charge-offs
Zombie debt, pay-for-delete, and more
Building Credit
Secured cards, authorized users, and more
Debt Payoff Calculator
Credit Utilization Tool
Budget Planner
Balance Transfer Savings
Debt-to-Income Calculator
Emergency Fund Calculator
Common Questions — Quick Answers