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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIf someone has used your personal information, first secure the affected accounts, then report the theft at IdentityTheft.gov. Review your credit reports, choose a fraud alert, a credit freeze, or both, and separately dispute fraudulent entries. A freeze can make it harder to open new credit in your name; it does not remove debts or accounts already on your reports.
What to do first if your identity is stolen
- Contact each affected company. Ask its fraud department to close or freeze the compromised account and explain which activity is fraudulent. Change the account password, login details, and PIN. Keep a dated record of calls and save copies of letters and messages. The FTC recovery guide provides steps for affected accounts.
- File a report with the FTC. Use IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The site uses your information to prepare an FTC Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan. If you do not create an account, save or print both before leaving the page.
- Check your credit reports. Get reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com. The FTC says you can check them weekly for free. Mark unfamiliar accounts and other suspicious information so you can identify exactly what to dispute.
- Protect your credit files. Place a fraud alert, a credit freeze, or both, depending on how much friction you are willing to accept when applying for credit and how long you want the protection in place.
- Dispute fraudulent information. Send the relevant credit bureau an FTC Identity Theft Report, proof of identity, and a clear description of the fraudulent entry. Contact the company that opened or reported the account as well.
IdentityTheft.gov is the federal recovery resource and provides personalized steps and sample letters. A police report is not a universal prerequisite in this basic FTC process. You may file one, and a business may require it for a particular account remedy.
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Fraud alert or credit freeze: what is the difference?
Both options are free, but they work differently. An alert asks creditors to take steps to verify your identity before extending new credit; a freeze restricts access to your credit report. Choose based on how much protection you want, how long you need it, and how much account-management effort you can take on.
| Option | What it does and how long it lasts | How to place it |
|---|---|---|
| Initial fraud alert | Free; lasts one year and can be renewed. A business must verify your identity before issuing new credit. | Contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus. That bureau must notify the other two. |
| Extended fraud alert | Free; lasts seven years and is available to identity-theft victims. Potential creditors must contact you before issuing credit. | Request it from one bureau and provide a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report. That bureau must notify the other two. |
| Credit freeze (security freeze) | Free; limits access to your credit report and stays in place until you lift or remove it. When applying for credit or another service that checks your report, you may need to take extra steps to allow access. | Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately. |
The FTC explains that a freeze makes it less likely an identity thief could open a new account in your name. Alerts require only one bureau request; freezes require three. You can use both if you want an alert as well as a freeze.
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How to place a fraud alert or freeze
Place an initial fraud alert
- Contact any one of Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion using the bureau’s official fraud-alert channel.
- Ask for an initial fraud alert. The bureau you contact must notify the other two nationwide bureaus.
- Keep confirmation of your request and note when the one-year period ends if you want to renew the alert.
Request an extended fraud alert
- Contact one nationwide bureau and request an extended fraud alert.
- Provide a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report as supporting documentation.
- Keep the confirmation. The alert lasts seven years; the bureau you contact must notify the other two.
Place a credit freeze
- Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion individually through each bureau’s official freeze service.
- Complete each bureau’s process and retain its confirmation and any information you will need to manage or lift the freeze.
- When you apply for credit or a service that checks your credit report, arrange access with the relevant bureau if needed. A freeze remains until you lift or remove it.
The FTC’s bureau contact directory lists these routes and phone numbers. Contact paths can change, so check the directory before using a number or navigating to a bureau service:
- Equifax: Equifax credit report services; 800-685-1111.
- Experian: Experian Help; 888-397-3742.
- TransUnion: TransUnion credit help; 888-909-8872.
How to remove a fraudulent account from your credit report
A fraud alert or freeze does not remove a fraudulent account. Dispute the entry separately with the bureau reporting it and contact the business associated with the account.
- Identify the exact entry. Get the relevant credit report and mark the fraudulent account or item. Note the creditor and account information shown on the report.
- Send the bureau a blocking request. Include a copy of the report with the fraudulent entry marked, your FTC Identity Theft Report, proof of identity, and a clear description of the information you want blocked. The FTC provides a sample letter to credit bureaus.
- Contact the business. Tell the company that the account or reported activity is fraudulent and ask it to stop reporting the fraudulent account. Request records related to the identity theft from the company that holds them.
- Keep records and follow up. Save copies of everything you send, note dates and responses, and check your credit reports to see whether the item has been addressed.
The FTC’s sample letter says section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires a bureau to block identity-theft information within four business days and promptly notify furnishers when the required information is provided. An FTC Identity Theft Report can also help stop creditors from reporting fraudulent accounts.
When credit bureau steps are not enough
This guide covers U.S. federal recovery steps for credit-file identity theft. Tax, medical, child, or government-benefit identity theft can require additional action with the relevant agency or service provider; use the specialized instructions linked from IdentityTheft.gov rather than treating an alert or freeze as a complete remedy.
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