Home / Money

Someone stole your identity: what to do first

Freeze your credit, report to IdentityTheft.gov, close fake accounts, check your credit reports and protect your tax return.

Quick answer

Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion; it’s free and stops new accounts. Report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan and an official report. Call the fraud departments of companies where accounts were opened, check your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, change passwords, turn on two-step login, and get an IRS Identity Protection PIN.

Watch full screen

Your checklist

  • Freeze your credit at all three bureaus
  • Report it at IdentityTheft.gov
  • Call fraud departments
  • Check your credit reports
  • Change passwords and turn on two-step login
  • Get an IRS IP PIN

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Lock things down

Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It’s free, it stops new accounts, and you can lift it when you need credit. A fraud alert is another option: place it with one bureau and it notifies the others.

Report it

Go to IdentityTheft.gov, the FTC’s free site. You’ll get a personal recovery plan and an official identity theft report.

Clean up

  • Call the fraud departments of companies where accounts were opened. Ask them to close the accounts and confirm in writing that you’re not responsible.
  • Get your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute anything you don’t recognize.
  • Some companies ask for a police report; your FTC report helps.

Protect what’s left

Change passwords, starting with email and bank, and turn on two-step login. Never share codes sent to your phone. Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN to protect your tax return.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • identitytheft.gov report
  • freeze credit Equifax Experian TransUnion

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?

No. A freeze doesn’t affect your score, and you can still use your existing cards and accounts. More ›

Should I pay for an identity protection service?

You can do the most important steps yourself for free: freezes, free reports and IdentityTheft.gov. More ›

What is the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?

A freeze blocks new credit from being opened until you lift it. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify it’s really you before opening credit. Both are free. More ›

Do I need a police report for identity theft?

Not always. Your report from IdentityTheft.gov works for many companies. Some still ask for a police report too. More ›

How do I know if someone is using my Social Security number?

Watch for accounts you don’t recognize on your credit reports, IRS letters about income you didn’t earn, or debt collectors calling about debts that aren’t yours. More ›

Will I have to pay the debts the thief ran up?

Usually not, once you report the fraud and dispute the accounts. Ask each company for a letter confirming you’re not responsible. More ›

See all questions (8)

Find credit and consumer help

Free help comes first; be careful with paid “fix it” services.

Shown in random order. We don’t rank or recommend anyone. Some listed pros pay to be listed. Check a license before you hire.

No one is listed here yet. Check back soon.

Know someone who needs this?

Part of:I’m new to the USI’m getting older and tech is changing fastSomeone stole my identity or account

Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.