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Identity Theft: What to Do If You Are a Victim

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. How do you protect your credit afterward?
    1. Why set up a fraud alert?
  3. Beware of impersonators
  4. Common mistakes
  5. FAQ
    1. Where do I report?
  6. Key takeaways
  7. Related guides
  8. Sources

What to do if you are a victim of identity theft: close compromised accounts, report the theft to local police and at IdentityTheft.gov, place fraud alerts or security freezes on your credit reports, and take steps to protect your credit history and finances. Newcomers, whose credit files are thin, can be especially exposed.

Quick answer

  1. Close any affected accounts. Contact the security or fraud departments at your financial institutions.
  2. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. You will get an Identity Theft Report and a recovery plan.
  3. Report to local police.
  4. Place fraud alerts or security freezes on your credit reports.

How do you protect your credit afterward?

Contact any one of the three nationwide credit reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your reports. When you place one at one company, it must notify the others.

Company Fraud alert phone (per CFPB)
Equifax (800) 685-1111
Experian (888) 397-3742
TransUnion (888) 909-8872

Why set up a fraud alert?

It requires creditors to make sure it is really you before they open a new account, issue an additional card or raise your credit limit. The two main types are initial and extended alerts; servicemembers can also use an active-duty alert. For the stronger option, see the credit freeze guide.

Beware of impersonators

Scammers pretend to be the FTC, the CFPB, other agencies, law enforcement or your bank. The CFPB says the FTC never threatens you, makes you transfer your money to “protect” it, or tells you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone; that is a scam. Contact institutions only through official websites and phone numbers. See also money transfer scams.

Common mistakes

  • Calling a number from a text or email instead of an official one.
  • Reporting to police only and skipping IdentityTheft.gov.
  • Placing no fraud alert after the theft.

FAQ

Where do I report?

IdentityTheft.gov and your local police.

Key takeaways

  • Close accounts, report, alert the credit bureaus.
  • Only use official contact details.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Sources

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What do I do if I am a victim of identity theft?

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