Review activity
Look for accounts, inquiries, addresses, or charges you do not recognize. Keep dated copies.
Protect your credit
Protection begins before an emergency.
Build simple habits to spot changes, limit unauthorized new accounts, and keep better records.
Practical plan
Six steps you can understand and repeat.
Freeze when appropriate
A freeze may limit new accounts. You must manage it separately with each credit bureau.
Evaluate a fraud alert
Review options and requirements directly with the bureaus before choosing an alert.
Document what happened
Keep dates, letters, screenshots, confirmation numbers, and a list of every organization contacted.
Strengthen account access
Use unique passwords, additional authentication, and recovery methods you control.
Use secure channels
Do not send reports, identification, SSNs, ITINs, passwords, or card information through email or public forms.
If you suspect identity theft
Act using official sources.
IdentityTheft.gov can help you create a recovery plan. Contact affected institutions and the credit bureaus directly. Do not share credentials with anyone promising to fix everything immediately.
Visit IdentityTheft.gov (opens an external site)Do you also need clarity about your report?
The digital journey can help identify an appropriate path. Do not place sensitive data in a web address or email.
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