How to Report Identity Theft: Steps to Protect Yourself and File a Report

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026  ·  Written by James Carter, Consumer Rights Researcher  ·  Independent resource — not a government site

Quick answer: Report identity theft immediately at IdentityTheft.gov — the FTC’s official recovery site. You’ll get a personalised recovery plan, pre-filled letters for creditors, and an official FTC Identity Theft Report you can use with banks and police.

Identity theft affects over 15 million Americans every year. If you’ve already shared sensitive information with a scammer, see our sister site’s guide on what to do if you gave your SSN to a scammer. Acting within the first 24–48 hours dramatically limits the damage. This guide walks you through every step — from freezing your credit to filing with the right agencies — in the correct order.

Do These 3 Things Immediately

Before anything else, do these three things in the first hour: freeze your credit at all three bureaus, change passwords on any compromised accounts, and report to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. Everything else can follow, but these three steps stop the bleeding.

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Which Agency to Contact for Identity Theft

How to Report Identity Theft Step by Step

1. Freeze your credit at all three bureaus immediately. Go to Equifax.com, Experian.com, and TransUnion.com and place a security freeze on each. This is free and prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Do all three — one freeze is not enough.
2. Report to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. Complete the online form. You will receive an official FTC Identity Theft Report and a personalised step-by-step recovery plan. This report is legally recognised and required by many creditors and agencies.
3. File a police report. Take your FTC Identity Theft Report to your local police department or file online if your department allows it. Get a copy of the police report — you will need the report number for future disputes.
4. Alert your bank and credit card companies. Call the fraud department of every financial institution you use. Ask them to flag your accounts, issue new cards, and review recent transactions. Most banks have 24/7 fraud lines.
5. Place a fraud alert with one credit bureau. Contact any one of the three bureaus — they are required to notify the other two. A fraud alert makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts and lasts one year (7 years for extended alerts).
6. Review all three credit reports for fraudulent accounts. Get free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Dispute any accounts or charges you do not recognise in writing with the relevant bureau. Bureaus must investigate within 30 days.
7. Report tax identity theft to the IRS if applicable. If someone filed a tax return in your name, complete IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) and submit it to the IRS. Call 1-800-908-4490 for the IRS Identity Protection Specialised Unit.
8. Report to the SSA if your Social Security number was stolen. Contact the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271. Request a copy of your Social Security Statement to check for unreported earnings.
9. Keep a detailed record of every action you take. Log every call — date, time, name of representative, and reference number. Keep copies of all letters and reports. Recovery can take months and documentation is essential.

How to Freeze Your Credit — Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

For related guides see: How to Report a Scam Phone Number, How to Report Phishing Emails, and our Fraud & Scams Reporting Hub.