Someone used your identity. Here is what to do first.
Freeze your credit, report the fraud, then get the false accounts off your report.
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Tick everything that happened. You get the steps in the order to do them, and you can check them off as you go.
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What happened?
Stop new accounts, then remove the fake one
- Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free and takes about 10 minutes each.
- Report it at IdentityTheft.gov. You get an identity theft report and a recovery plan.
- Send the report to each bureau and ask them to block the account.
Find out what was exposed, then lock things down
- Read the breach letter for what was taken. A Social Security number is the one that matters most.
- Place a fraud alert or a freeze. A freeze is stronger.
- Check your three reports for accounts you do not recognize.
Read next
Freeze first, then decide on monitoring
- A freeze blocks new credit in your name. You lift it when you apply for something.
- A lock does the same job through an app, sometimes for a fee.
- Monitoring tells you after something happens. It does not stop it.
$0
to freeze your credit at all three bureaus
1 year
for a standard fraud alert
4 days
for a bureau to block fraud after you send an identity theft report
Your freeze checklist
Freeze all three. A freeze at one bureau does not reach the others.
Guides for identity theft
Start where you are. Everything here is free to read.
Just learning
The basics of identity theft
Making a plan
Tools and plans you can use today
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Ready for help
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How it works
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Every identity theft guide
Freezes, locks and fraud alerts 4
Prevent identity theft and scams 4
Card and payment security 3
Credit monitoring 2
Data breaches 2
Recover after identity theft 1
Common questions
Does a credit freeze hurt my score?
No. A freeze only stops new lenders from pulling your report. Your score and your current accounts are not affected.
Can I still apply for credit with a freeze?
Yes. Lift the freeze at the bureau the lender uses, apply, then turn it back on. You can lift it for a set number of days.
How long does it take to remove a fraudulent account?
Once a bureau has your identity theft report, it must block the account within four business days. Collectors and lenders can take longer.
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