Identity Theft Recovery Checklist | Complete Action Plan

Your Complete Recovery Action Plan

Use this checklist to track your progress through the identity theft recovery process. Check off each item as you complete it.

☐ Immediate Actions (Day 1)

☐ Place initial fraud alert with one credit bureau
☐ Order credit reports from all three bureaus
☐ File FTC Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov
☐ File police report at local police department
☐ Document everything in identity theft log
☐ Change passwords on all important accounts
☐ Enable 2-factor authentication everywhere possible

☐ Contact Financial Institutions (Day 1-2)

☐ Call banks about fraudulent accounts/charges
☐ Close compromised accounts
☐ Open new accounts with new numbers
☐ File written disputes with each institution
☐ Request fraud claim forms
☐ Set up account alerts and monitoring

☐ Credit Bureau Actions (First Week)

☐ Review all three credit reports thoroughly
☐ Circle/highlight all fraudulent items
☐ Dispute fraudulent accounts with each bureau
☐ Dispute fraudulent inquiries
☐ Request extended fraud alert (7 years)
☐ Consider placing credit freeze at all three
☐ Save all PINs for freeze in secure location

☐ Government Agencies (First Week)

☐ Contact IRS if tax-related (Form 14039)
☐ Contact SSA if SSN misused (1-800-269-0271)
☐ Contact DMV if driver's license stolen
☐ Contact Post Office if mail theft
☐ Contact State Attorney General
☐ File IC3 complaint if online fraud (ic3.gov)

☐ Healthcare (If Medical Identity Theft)

☐ Contact health insurance company
☐ Review all EOBs for unfamiliar services
☐ Request medical records from providers
☐ Review records for inaccuracies
☐ File amendments to incorrect records
☐ Place alert on insurance account

☐ Debt Collectors (As Needed)

☐ Send debt validation letters (within 30 days)
☐ Send identity theft affidavit
☐ Request they stop reporting debt
☐ Document all communications
☐ Never admit debt is yours
☐ Report harassment to CFPB/FTC

☐ Creditors With Fraudulent Accounts

☐ Send written dispute letters
☐ Include identity theft affidavit
☐ Include police report copy
☐ Request account closure
☐ Request fraud removal from credit
☐ Send via certified mail with return receipt
☐ Follow up if no response in 30 days

☐ Employment (If SSN Used for Work)

☐ Contact IRS Identity Protection Unit
☐ Request wage and income transcript
☐ File Form 14039 with tax return
☐ Request IP PIN for future returns
☐ Contact SSA about incorrect earnings

☐ Criminal Records (If Applicable)

☐ Request criminal history from state/FBI
☐ File for case dismissal where arrested
☐ Provide identity theft documentation
☐ Obtain court orders clearing your name
☐ Send orders to law enforcement databases

☐ Monitoring & Prevention (Ongoing)

☐ Check credit reports every 3-4 months
☐ Review bank/credit statements monthly
☐ Monitor SSA earnings annually
☐ Check medical records annually
☐ Keep fraud alert or freeze active
☐ Use credit monitoring service (optional)
☐ Sign up for dark web monitoring (optional)

☐ Documentation Maintenance

☐ Keep identity theft log updated
☐ Save all letters sent and received
☐ Save all email confirmations
☐ Keep copies of police/FTC reports
☐ Photograph all documents
☐ Store in secure location (physical & digital)
☐ Keep for 7+ years minimum

☐ Follow-Up Actions (30-90 Days)

☐ Verify fraudulent accounts closed
☐ Confirm disputed items removed from credit
☐ Follow up on any unresolved issues
☐ Re-send letters if no response
☐ Consider legal action if needed
☐ File complaints with CFPB if problems

Timeline Expectations

Week 1: Immediate protection and reporting
Month 1: Disputes filed, accounts closed
Months 2-3: Resolution of disputes begins
Months 3-6: Most fraudulent items removed
Year 1: Monitor for any missed issues
Years 2-7: Continue monitoring, maintain freeze/alerts

When to Seek Help

Consider professional assistance if:

Overwhelming number of fraudulent accounts
Criminal charges under your name
Creditors/collectors refusing to cooperate
Complex medical identity theft
Need legal representation