: If existing accounts were accessed, close them immediately and open new ones with different account numbers and passwords. 5. Ongoing Monitoring
: For stronger protection, place a credit freeze with each bureau individually. This prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name. 3. Review and Dispute Inaccurate Information
: Request free credit reports from all three bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com to identify unauthorized accounts.
If you suspect identity theft has affected your credit, you should immediately report it to the and the major credit bureaus to protect your score and financial standing. 1. File an Official Identity Theft Report
: Use your official identity theft report to ask credit bureaus to block any information resulting from the theft from appearing on your credit report. 4. Notify Financial Institutions
: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and receive a personalized recovery plan.