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What to do right away if you're a victim of identity theft
January 31, 2022
If you are the victim of identity theft, follow these steps immediately.
Step 1: Call the companies where you know the fraud occurred:
- Call the fraud department. Explain that someone stole your identity.
- Ask them to close or freeze the accounts. Then, no one can add new charges unless you agree.
- Change logins, passwords and PINS for your accounts.
Step 2: Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports
- Place a free, one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. That company must tell the other two.
- Experian.com/help, BBB-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
- TransUnion.com/credit-help (888-909-8872)
- Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services (800-685-1111)
- Get your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Go to annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
Step 3: Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission
- Complete the online form(www.identitytheft.gov/Assistant#) or call 1-877-438-4338 and include as many details as possible.
Step 4: Go to your local police office with
- A copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report.
- A government-issued ID with a photo.
- Proof of your address (mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utilities bill.)
- Any other proof you have of the theft (bills, IRS notices, etc.)
Inform the police that someone stole your identity and that you need to file a report. You can also ask for a copy of the police report.
Other Resources
To prevent or report cybersecurity issues, please visit the Yale Cybersecurity webpage. Information includes: using security passcodes, knowing about risk, and how to stay safe guides.