How to recover from identity theft
If someone stole your identity, you can take back control. This guide walks you through each step in plain English so you know exactly what to do next.
Key takeaways
- Place a free fraud alert with one bureau — they notify the others
- A credit freeze locks your file and is free at all three bureaus
- Report the theft at IdentityTheft.gov to get a personalized recovery plan
- Keep records of every call, letter, and dispute you make
Finding out your identity was stolen is scary. You might feel angry, confused, or overwhelmed. That is completely normal. The good news is there is a clear path forward, and you do not have to figure it out alone.
Take a breath. Then start with these steps.
Step 1: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
Call one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your file. That bureau is required to tell the other two. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before opening new credit in your name. It is free and lasts one year. You can renew it after that.
Step 2: Get your free credit reports
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the official, government-authorized site. Pull reports from all three bureaus. Look for accounts you did not open, addresses you never lived at, or hard inquiries you do not recognize. Write down everything that looks wrong.
Step 3: Consider a credit freeze
A credit freeze is stronger than a fraud alert. It locks your credit file so no one can open new accounts in your name — not even you, until you lift it. It is free at all three bureaus. You can freeze and unfreeze your file online, by phone, or by mail. This is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Step 4: Report the theft to the FTC
Go to IdentityTheft.gov. This is the Federal Trade Commission's official recovery site. It will ask you a few questions and then build a personalized recovery plan just for you. It also generates an Identity Theft Report, which you will need for the next steps. Save or print this report.
Step 5: File a police report
Visit your local police department and bring your FTC Identity Theft Report, a government-issued ID, and proof of your address. Ask for a copy of the police report when you are done. Some creditors and agencies will ask for this before they remove fraudulent accounts.
Step 6: Contact each company where fraud happened
Call the fraud department of every company where a fake account was opened or a charge was made. Explain that your identity was stolen. Ask them to close the fraudulent account and remove it from your records. Follow up in writing. Keep copies of everything.
Step 7: Dispute fraudulent items on your credit reports
Write to each credit bureau about any accounts or information that should not be there. Include your FTC Identity Theft Report and any other supporting documents. By law, the bureaus must investigate and respond, usually within 30 days. You can also ask them to block fraudulent information from appearing on your report.
Step 8: Protect yourself going forward
Change your passwords on banking, email, and any accounts that may have been affected. Use a different password for each account if you can. Turn on two-factor authentication wherever it is offered. Check your credit reports regularly — you can stagger them throughout the year to keep a closer eye on things.
You are not starting over from zero
Identity theft can mess up your credit, but it does not have to be permanent. Many people successfully clean up their reports and rebuild over time. The key is acting quickly and keeping records of every call, letter, and email.
You did not cause this. And you have real tools to fix it.
Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
How long does it take to recover from identity theft?
It depends on how much damage was done. Some people resolve issues in a few weeks. Others with many fraudulent accounts may take several months. The faster you act and the better records you keep, the smoother the process tends to go.
Will identity theft ruin my credit score permanently?
No, it does not have to be permanent. Once fraudulent accounts are removed from your credit reports, your score can recover over time. Disputing errors and keeping your other accounts in good standing both help.
Is IdentityTheft.gov really free to use?
Yes. IdentityTheft.gov is run by the Federal Trade Commission and is completely free. It helps you create a recovery plan and generates an official Identity Theft Report at no cost to you.
Can I freeze my credit if I have bad credit or no credit?
Yes. A credit freeze is available to anyone, regardless of your credit history or score. It is free at all three major credit bureaus and does not affect your credit score in any way.
What if a creditor refuses to remove a fraudulent account?
Keep your FTC Identity Theft Report and police report handy and send them in writing to the creditor's fraud department. If they still refuse, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at ConsumerFinance.gov. You may also want to speak with a nonprofit credit counselor for guidance.
Do I need to hire a company to fix identity theft for me?
No. You can do everything in this guide yourself for free using government resources like IdentityTheft.gov and AnnualCreditReport.com. Be cautious of companies that charge large fees and promise fast results — those promises are not guaranteed.
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