If someone opened an account using your personal information, contact the company’s fraud department, report the identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov, and dispute the account with the business and any credit bureau reporting it. If it was a checking account, also review your ChexSystems report. These steps are for U.S. consumers; the right process differs for tax, medical, child, or government-benefits identity theft.
What to do first
- Contact the company that opened the account. Call its fraud department, explain that the account is unauthorized, and ask it to close or freeze the account. Ask what forms or evidence it needs. Change passwords and PINs for affected accounts, and secure any existing accounts that may have been exposed.
- Place a fraud alert and check your credit reports. Contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus to request a free initial fraud alert. It lasts one year, and that bureau must notify the other two. Review your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for unfamiliar accounts or transactions. The FTC’s current guidance says reports are available weekly for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Report the identity theft to the FTC. File at IdentityTheft.gov. The site provides an FTC Identity Theft Report and a recovery plan tailored to your situation. Save or print both. You may also file a police report; if you do, the FTC advises bringing your FTC report and identification.
- Dispute the account in writing. After receiving the FTC report, contact the business again. Request written confirmation that the account is not yours, that you are not liable for it, and that it has been removed from your credit report if it was reported there. Send credit bureaus your FTC report and proof of identity, clearly identifying the fraudulent information you want blocked. Keep copies of letters and note dates, names, and reference numbers.
If the account is a checking account
Checking-account fraud can require a step beyond the usual credit-bureau process. Order a free ChexSystems report and look for checking accounts you do not recognize. Contact each financial institution where an account was opened and ask it to close the fraudulent account. Then use the FTC reporting and written-dispute steps above. The FTC’s checking-account recovery guidance covers this path.
Choose additional protection for your credit file
A fraud alert and a credit freeze are different protections. Both are free under the FTC guidance; choose based on how long you want the protection and whether you expect to apply for credit.
| Protection | Duration | Who to contact | Effect on new credit applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial fraud alert | One year | Contact one nationwide credit bureau; it must notify the other two. | It asks creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity. You can still apply for credit. |
| Extended fraud alert | Seven years | Request it from a credit bureau and provide an FTC Identity Theft Report. | It asks creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity. You can still apply for credit. |
| Credit freeze | Until you lift or remove it | Contact each of Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately. | A creditor generally cannot access your credit file to open a new account. Lift the freeze when an application requires a credit check. |
The FTC explains these protections in its identity-theft rights guidance. If you plan to apply for a loan, credit card, or other service that checks your credit, arrange to lift a freeze in time for the application.
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Use your rights and keep a record
You can ask the business for records related to the identity theft, such as the application or a signature associated with the account. You can also ask credit bureaus to block fraudulent information by providing your FTC Identity Theft Report, proof of identity, and a clear description of what is fraudulent. The FTC offers sample letters for businesses, credit bureaus, records requests, and debt collectors.
If a debt collector contacts you about the account, request written information identifying the creditor and the debt being claimed. Do not accept the debt as yours just because a company says it is associated with you. Keep the correspondence and a log of calls with your other records.
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When the theft involves something other than a credit or checking account
“Account” can refer to different kinds of misuse. If someone used your information for taxes, medical records, a child’s identity, or government benefits, use the issue-specific instructions at IdentityTheft.gov rather than assuming a credit dispute will resolve it. IdentityTheft.gov’s reporting flow includes cases such as purchases, loan applications, employment, tax filings, and benefits.
Quick Recap
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- [Fully Protect Your Privacy] The identity theft protection roller stamp is the perfect choice to protect your private information. With a gentle scroll, you can cover personal details perfectly. You don't have to worry about spending too much time covering courier information and tearing up old documents. More convenient and faster than a shredder
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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