What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen: 10 Steps to Recover Fast

What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen: 10 Steps to Recover Fast 

Identity theft is one of the most stressful situations you can face. Once someone gains access to your personal details, they can open credit lines, make purchases, file taxes, or even commit crimes under your name. Knowing the right steps to take can help you regain control and limit the damage.

This guide breaks down what you should do if your identity has been stolen, how to report it, and what tools can help you secure your information going forward.

Understanding Identity Theft  

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal details without permission. This could include your name, Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card numbers. Thieves often use these details to:

• Open new credit cards or loans
• Make unauthorized purchases
• Access your bank accounts
• File false tax returns
• Apply for government benefits
• Commit other forms of fraud

Once your information is compromised, acting quickly is key to reducing financial and legal risks.

Step 1: Confirm the Identity Theft  

Before panicking, verify whether your personal details have truly been misused. Warning signs include:

• Unexpected withdrawals or charges on your bank or credit accounts
• Credit cards or loans showing up on your report that you never applied for
• Debt collection calls for accounts you don’t recognize
• Notifications about tax filings you didn’t submit
• Emails or letters from companies about account changes you didn’t make

Check your bank and credit card statements carefully, then review your credit reports from all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You’re entitled to a free copy at AnnualCreditReport.com.

In 2024, more than 6.47 million fraud reports were submitted to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network. About 18 percent involved identity theft, and nearly half of those cases were linked to credit card fraud. This makes reviewing your reports and spotting unauthorized accounts one of the most impactful first steps.

Step 2: Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports  

Once you confirm suspicious activity, contact one of the three credit bureaus and request a fraud alert. That bureau will notify the other two automatically. A fraud alert makes it harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name because businesses will need to verify your identity before approving credit.

How to place a fraud alert:

• Equifax: 1-888-766-0008
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Fraud alerts are free and last for one year, but you can renew them if needed.

Step 3: Freeze Your Credit  

A credit freeze offers stronger protection than a fraud alert. Freezing your credit means no one — including you — can open new accounts until you lift the freeze. You’ll need to contact each bureau separately to set this up.

• Equifax Freeze: 1-800-349-9960
• Experian Freeze: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion Freeze: 1-888-909-8872

Credit freezes are free, and you can unfreeze your credit temporarily if you plan to apply for a loan or credit card.

Step 4: Report Identity Theft to the FTC  

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides step-by-step guidance and helps create an official identity theft report, which you may need when dealing with banks or creditors.

How to file your report:

1. Visit IdentityTheft.gov
2. Answer a few questions about what happened
3. Download your recovery plan and pre-filled dispute letters

This report is a valuable tool when disputing fraudulent charges or accounts.

Step 5: File a Police Report if Needed  

Not every identity theft case requires a police report, but you should file one if:

• Someone used your name during an arrest or investigation
• A debt collector demands payment for fraudulent accounts
• A company insists on a police report to investigate unauthorized activity
• Your wallet, driver’s license, or Social Security card was stolen

Bring a copy of your FTC identity theft report, proof of residence, and any supporting documents when filing.

Step 6: Contact Your Banks and Credit Card Companies  

If thieves gained access to your financial accounts, call your bank and credit card providers immediately. Explain the situation and request the following:

• Freeze or close affected accounts
• Reverse unauthorized charges
• Issue new account numbers and cards
• Add extra verification steps for future transactions

Make sure to follow up in writing and keep records of all communications.

Step 7: Secure Your Online Accounts  

Thieves often use stolen personal data to access email, social media, and financial accounts. To protect yourself:

• Change passwords on all sensitive accounts
• Use unique, strong passwords for each account
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible
• Review account activity for any suspicious logins

Consider using a password manager to create and store secure credentials.

Step 8: Monitor Your Credit and Accounts Regularly  

Even after resolving the immediate problem, keep monitoring your financial activity. Early detection is the best way to avoid further damage.

Ways to stay on top of your information:

• Sign up for free credit monitoring through your bank or credit bureau
• Check your credit report at least three times a year
• Review monthly bank and credit card statements
• Set up transaction alerts on your accounts

Some people also choose paid monitoring services for real-time alerts about unusual activity.

Step 9: Protect Your Identity Going Forward  

Once your identity is restored, take steps to prevent future theft:

• Shred documents with personal details
• Avoid sharing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi
• Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software
• Be cautious when clicking on links in emails or texts
• Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers at OptOutPrescreen.com

Children can also become victims of identity theft. The FTC logged over 22,000 reports for victims aged 19 and younger. Parents often discover the fraud only when their child applies for credit years later. Freezing a child’s credit and monitoring their information helps prevent this long-term damage.

Step 10: Use Identity Verification Tools

Once identity theft occurs, thieves often open hidden accounts, apply for loans, or misuse your information in ways that don’t immediately appear on credit reports. A Reverse SSN Search can help you uncover who are using your SSN. This type of search identifies names, aliases, current and previous addresses,relatives and their dates of birth, and phone numbers of adults associated with valid social security numbers.

Pairing this with a Background Check provides deeper insights. A background check can reveal unauthorized addresses, aliases, criminal records, or employment data tied to your name. If someone used your identity for tax fraud, employment scams, or government benefits, these checks make it easier to find evidence and report it.

These tools are particularly useful if:

• Your SSN was compromised in a data breach
• Credit monitoring hasn’t flagged all fraudulent activity
• You suspect someone used your details for employment or benefits fraud

Using Reverse SSN Lookup and Background Check services ensures you catch hidden misuse early, giving you more control over restoring your identity.

Final Thoughts  

Identity theft can cause serious financial and emotional stress, but taking the right steps helps you regain control. Start by confirming the theft, securing your credit, and reporting it to the proper authorities. Then focus on protecting your accounts and monitoring your information to prevent future issues.

If you suspect your data has been compromised, act quickly. The sooner you respond, the easier it is to limit the damage and rebuild your financial security.