Stolen identity? Here’s your first 4 steps.
Call Your Banks & Creditors
Put a stop to things as fast as you can by notifying your banks and creditors that your identity has been stolen. Auto and home equity loans, credit cards, bank accounts, and bill pay are all at risk, so the sooner you notify banks and creditors, the faster they can decline transactions and cash advances.
Notify the Credit Bureaus
Because thieves can use a stolen identity to rack up thousands of dollars in purchases on existing accounts or open new ones, let all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion ) know what happened ASAP. Call each one directly or go online to initiate an alert.
File an FTC Complaint
Fraud is a serious crime and you can help stop the bad guys by reporting identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. In addition, filing an FTC complaint gives you documented proof that may be required by your banks and creditors. Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a complaint online 24/7.
Make a report with local law enforcement
If someone has taken your personal information and used it to commit fraud in your name, that is a crime and you are a victim. Filing a police report gives you documented proof that you've declared your innocence and stated you are not responsible for any crimes committed using your nam
