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Identity theft: first steps

Someone used your name, ID or card details. Lock things down, report it and keep records.

23 items · 5 sections · money, fraud, security, documents

Start this checklist

First hour (5)

  • Write down what you saw: the account, the date, the amount, the message
  • Call your bank or card issuer using the number on your card, and ask to freeze or replace it
  • Change passwords on email first, then bank and shopping accounts, using new ones for each
  • Turn on two-factor sign-in on email and banking
  • Check your phone for unknown apps and remote access tools; remove them

Report it (5)

  • US: report at IdentityTheft.gov and get a recovery planOpen
  • India: report online at the cyber crime portal or call 1930Open
  • UK: report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and tell your bank
  • File a police report if a bank or company asks for one
  • Keep the report number and the date

Protect your credit (5)

  • US: place a fraud alert or a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
  • Get your free credit reports and look for accounts you don't know
  • Dispute each wrong account in writing and keep a copy
  • UK: ask Cifas for protective registration if your documents were used
  • India: ask for your credit report from CIBIL, Experian, Equifax or CRIF and check it

Documents (4)

  • If a passport, licence or ID card was stolen: report it and ask for a replacement
  • If your tax or social security number was used: contact the tax authority
  • Tell your employer and your landlord if they hold copies of your documents
  • Keep a folder: letters, emails, call dates and names

Next weeks (4)

  • Check your bank statements every few days for a month
  • Set up transaction alerts on every card and account
  • Watch for new mail about accounts you did not open
  • Don't pay anyone who says they can "fix" this for a fee

Written from www.identitytheft.gov

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