Identity Theft Response Checklist

15 items · Identity Theft · Medium difficulty · 1 hour

Step-by-step actions to stop identity theft and recover your accounts quickly.

• Collect evidence of identity theft

  Save dates, transactions, statements, emails, and screenshots as proof.

• Place a fraud alert on your credit file

  Set an initial 1-year alert so lenders must verify identity before opening credit.

• Freeze credit files at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion

  A freeze blocks new credit; note each bureau's site or phone and PIN info.

• Save confirmation numbers and PINs for alerts and freezes

  Record confirmation IDs, PINs, and the date/time you placed alerts or freezes.

• Identify all affected accounts and suspicious charges

  Review bank and card statements, credit reports, and account emails carefully.

• Contact banks and credit card companies to close or freeze accounts

  Call fraud departments, request account closure or freeze, and get written confirmation.

• Replace compromised cards, reorder checks, and update payments

  Request new account numbers and update autopay sources and billing info.

• Audit your password manager for reused or weak passwords

  Search for reused or weak entries and make a list of high-risk accounts.

• Reset passwords for compromised accounts and store new strong ones

  Create unique, complex passwords and update them in your password manager.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on sensitive accounts

  Use authenticator apps or hardware keys instead of SMS when possible.

• File a police report and obtain a copy or case number

  Visit local police or file online; get a report for creditors and agencies.

• Report identity theft to IdentityTheft.gov and follow the recovery plan

  Create an FTC recovery plan, get sample letters, and print the identity report.

• Notify employers, utilities, and government agencies in writing

  Send certified letters with evidence and keep copies of all correspondence.

• Enroll in credit monitoring and schedule regular credit checks

  Use AnnualCreditReport.com and consider paid monitoring for at least 12 months.

• 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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