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Identity Theft Response Checklist

Medium 15 items · 1 hour
testuser's avatar
testuser Published 1 month ago
Identity Theft

Use this checklist to respond quickly and comprehensively after identity theft. It’s for anyone who suspects account compromise, fraud, or unauthorized credit activity. Follow the steps to secure accounts, report fraud, and start recovery.

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  1. Collect evidence of identity theft — Save dates, transactions, statements, emails, and screenshots as proof.
  2. Place a fraud alert on your credit file — Set an initial 1-year alert so lenders must verify identity before opening credit.
  3. Freeze credit files at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — A freeze blocks new credit; note each bureau's site or phone and PIN info.
  4. Save confirmation numbers and PINs for alerts and freezes — Record confirmation IDs, PINs, and the date/time you placed alerts or freezes.
  5. Identify all affected accounts and suspicious charges — Review bank and card statements, credit reports, and account emails carefully.
  6. Contact banks and credit card companies to close or freeze accounts — Call fraud departments, request account closure or freeze, and get written confirmation.
  7. Replace compromised cards, reorder checks, and update payments — Request new account numbers and update autopay sources and billing info.
  8. Audit your password manager for reused or weak passwords — Search for reused or weak entries and make a list of high-risk accounts.
  9. Reset passwords for compromised accounts and store new strong ones — Create unique, complex passwords and update them in your password manager.
  10. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on sensitive accounts — Use authenticator apps or hardware keys instead of SMS when possible.
  11. File a police report and obtain a copy or case number — Visit local police or file online; get a report for creditors and agencies.
  12. Report identity theft to IdentityTheft.gov and follow the recovery plan — Create an FTC recovery plan, get sample letters, and print the identity report.
  13. Notify employers, utilities, and government agencies in writing — Send certified letters with evidence and keep copies of all correspondence.
  14. Enroll in credit monitoring and schedule regular credit checks — Use AnnualCreditReport.com and consider paid monitoring for at least 12 months.
  15. Keep a recovery log and follow up until fully resolved — Track calls, dates, case numbers, and outcomes until all issues are cleared.
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