Suspect You're a Victim of Identity Theft? 7 Calls to Make, Now

By Dawn Handschuh, Personal Finance Writer   

identity theft victim

If you suspect identity theft, quick action by you can act like a tourniquet on a bleeding wound, preventing further hemorrhaging of your credit history.

Finding evidence that someone has stolen your personal information is like sitting on a powder keg. But don't let panic derail you; you need your lenders' cooperation, so stay calm.

Responding to identity theft is largely a matter of knowing how to report identity theft, and doing so quickly. Here's who to contact:

1. Credit bureaus

  • Notify one of the credit-reporting agencies, and tell them you suspect you're a victim of identity theft. (The bureau you call is required by law to contact the other two.)

Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experian: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion: 800-680-7289

  • Place a fraud alert on your credit report. Alerts last 90-180 days but can be renewed. An extended alert lasts seven years.
  • Order free copies of your credit reports. Look for accounts you didn't open or debts you can't explain. Correct errors; continue checking your credit reports periodically for a year.

2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

File an identity theft affidavit. Download the form, or call the FTC hotline at 877-ID-THEFT. You may need to supply notarized copies to creditors.

3. Lenders and financial institutions

  • Contact the fraud representative at affected banks and creditors. Request a fraud dispute form, if they have one. Follow up in writing (certified mail, return receipt requested).
  • Close affected accounts, and open new ones with different passwords.
  • Once you've resolved the identity theft, ask for a letter confirming discharge of fraudulent debt, in case errors reappear on your credit report.

4. The police

File a police report documenting the identity theft. Keep copies for yourself and creditors.

5. U.S. Postal Inspection Service

If your mail or address has been fraudulently used, report it to the U.S. postal inspectors.

6. Internal Revenue Service

Know what to do if you suspect misuse of your Social Security number by contacting the Social Security Administration.

7. Your state's motor vehicle department

If your wallet was stolen, replace your driver's license at Motor Vehicles; ask them to flag your file.