What to do if your identity is stolen

Teach: What to do if your identity is stolen

What to say

If your identity is stolen, freeze your credit at each of the three national credit bureaus so no new account can be opened, report the theft on the federal identity theft reporting site to get a recovery plan and an official report, and call any company where a fake account or charge appeared. Then change passwords, check your credit reports, and keep a log of every call and letter.

What to show, in order

1. Call the fraud department of any bank or company where you see a charge or account you did not open.
2. Place a free credit freeze with each of the three national credit bureaus, online or by phone.
3. File a report on the federal identity theft reporting site and save the report and the recovery plan it gives you.
4. File a police report if a creditor asks for one, and bring the federal report with you.
5. Pull your free credit reports and dispute every account and inquiry that is not yours.
6. Change passwords on email and financial accounts and turn on two-step login.
7. Keep a log of every call, letter and case number, with dates.
8. Lift the freeze temporarily, with the PIN or password the bureau gave you, when you apply for credit yourself.

When to stop and call a professional

• Someone filed a tax return, claimed benefits or got medical care in your name: contact that agency or provider directly and ask for their identity theft process.
• Debt collectors pursue you for accounts you never opened and disputes do not stop them: a nonprofit credit counselor or consumer lawyer can help.

The check question

Ask: What stops new credit accounts being opened in your name? Answer: A credit freeze at each of the three bureaus

From EveryManSkills. General information, not professional advice.