What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Identity Theft

Discovering that someone has stolen your identity is stressful, but what you do in the first day matters more than anything else. Fast action stops thieves from opening new accounts and creates the paper trail you'll need to clear your name.

Follow these steps in order.

1. Freeze your credit with all three bureaus

A credit freeze blocks lenders from pulling your credit report, which stops most new accounts from being opened in your name. It's free and takes a few minutes online with each bureau: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You must contact all three separately.

2. Contact the companies where fraud occurred

Call the fraud department at your bank, credit card company, or any business where a fraudulent account was opened or used. Ask them to close or freeze the account and note the name of the person you spoke with, the date, and what they told you.

3. Change your passwords

Start with your email account, since thieves often use it to reset passwords elsewhere. Then update your banking, financial, and shopping accounts. Use a unique password for each one and turn on two-factor authentication wherever it's offered.

4. Report it at IdentityTheft.gov

The Federal Trade Commission's site, IdentityTheft.gov, walks you through filing a report and generates a personalized recovery plan. Your FTC Identity Theft Report serves as official proof that your identity was stolen, which helps when disputing fraudulent debts.

5. Consider a police report

Some creditors or situations may require a police report. File one with your local police department and keep a copy with your FTC report.

6. Start a fraud log

Keep a single notebook or document with every call, letter, report number, and deadline. Identity theft recovery can take weeks or months, and good records make every step easier.

Don't go it alone

Recovering from identity theft involves a lot of phone calls, forms, and follow-up. Many people find it helps to have expert guidance through the process.