Identity theft can be a stressful experience, but taking immediate action can help mitigate the damage. Here’s what you should do:
- Contact Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Report the theft and freeze your accounts to prevent further unauthorized transactions.
- Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- File a Report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and create a recovery plan.
- Contact Local Law Enforcement: File a police report to document the crime, which may be required by creditors and insurance companies.
- Check Your Credit Reports: Obtain free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and review them for any unauthorized activity.
- Change Your Passwords: Update passwords for your online accounts, especially those related to banking and personal information.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
By following these steps, you can start to regain control and protect yourself from further harm.