Someone stole my identity

If someone used your name, Social Security number, or accounts, there are free steps you can take today to stop more damage and start fixing it.

Is this identity theft? Quick signs

The FTC lists these signs:

• A bill you expected stops coming (someone may have changed your billing address).
• Charges you didn’t make, or a new bill you didn’t expect.
• Withdrawals you didn’t make on your bank statement.
• Accounts you don’t recognize on your credit report.

Do this right now

1. Report it at IdentityTheft.gov (run by the FTC). It asks what happened and uses your answers to create a personal recovery plan.
2. Call the companies where you see fraud: your bank, card company, or the business where a fake account was opened. Use the number on your statement or card.
3. Freeze your credit at all three credit bureaus (free). See below.
4. Or place a fraud alert with one bureau (free). See below.
5. Check your credit reports for accounts you don’t recognize, free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
6. Change passwords on your email and money accounts and turn on two-step verification. See Stay safe online.

Credit freeze (also called a security freeze)

• What it does: the FTC says that while a freeze is in place, nobody can open a new credit account in your name, including you.
• Cost: free to place and lift. It doesn’t affect your credit score.
• Who can: anyone, any time, even if your identity hasn’t been stolen.
• How long: until you lift it. Need to apply for credit, a job, an apartment, or insurance? Lift it temporarily, then put it back. The FTC suggests finding out which bureau a lender uses and lifting the freeze only there.
• You must contact all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each bureau’s freeze page says freezing is free.

These bureau websites also sell other products. You don’t need to buy anything to freeze your credit.

Fraud alerts

• Initial fraud alert: tells businesses to check with you before opening new credit in your name. Free. Lasts one year and can be renewed. Contact just one bureau; it must tell the other two. Placing one also lets you get a free copy of your credit report from each bureau.
• Extended fraud alert: for people who have filed an FTC identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov or a police report. Free. Lasts seven years.
• You can have a fraud alert and a credit freeze at the same time. Unlike a freeze, a fraud alert doesn’t stop businesses from seeing your credit report.

Free credit reports

The FTC says the three nationwide credit bureaus let you check your credit report from each once a week for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also call 1-877-322-8228. The FTC says AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit reports you’re entitled to by law, so watch out for look-alike sites.

Found mistakes? See Fix your credit yourself for how to dispute them for free, plus a letter you can copy.

IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

The IRS says an IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or ITIN. It’s known only to you and the IRS.

• Who can get one: anyone with a Social Security number or ITIN who can verify their identity. Parents and guardians can request one for dependents.
• You don’t have to be a victim: the IRS says you can get one as a proactive step, even if you don’t have to file a tax return.
• Fastest way: through your IRS online account. Start at the IRS page Get an Identity Protection PIN, which also explains other ways to apply.

Medicare and medical identity theft

Medicare.gov says to protect your Medicare number like a credit card, and only give it to your health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or people you trust who work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Don’t get scammed while fixing it

The FTC says organizations like the IRS, your bank, and your employer may need your Social Security number, but they won’t call, email, or text you to ask for it. If someone contacts you offering to “fix” your identity theft or get money back for a fee, read our warning about recovery scams. IdentityTheft.gov, credit freezes, and fraud alerts are free.

More help after identity theft: lock your phone number or get a new one, and remove your personal info from people-search sites.

Protecting someone who has died: thieves sometimes use a deceased person’s identity. See how to put a “deceased” alert on their credit report.

Sources

Last checked Oct 18, 2026.

1. IdentityTheft.gov (FTC): https://www.identitytheft.gov/
2. FTC: What To Know About Identity Theft: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft
3. FTC: Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts
4. FTC: Free Credit Reports: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports
5. AnnualCreditReport.com: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
6. Equifax: Security Freeze: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
7. Experian: Freeze center: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
8. TransUnion: Credit Freeze: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
9. IRS: Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
10. Medicare.gov: Your Medicare card: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/using-medicare/your-medicare-card
11. Medicare.gov: Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse

Rules and numbers change. If something here does not match what an agency tells you, trust the agency, and please let us know.