Identity theft can feel overwhelming, violating, and deeply unfair. It happens when someone uses your personal information, like your name, Social Security number, or account details, to open new accounts or rack up charges in your name.
If this has happened to you, you're not alone. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 17.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft in just one year. But there are concrete steps you can take to stop the fraud, clean up your credit, and reclaim your peace of mind. Here's how to recognize the signs and what to do if you've become a victim.
How to Spot Identity Theft
The sooner you catch identity theft, the easier it is to limit the damage. Here’s what to watch for:
Check your credit reports regularly
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re entitled to one free report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Get yours at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official source.
Tip: Stagger your requests (one bureau every four months) to keep tabs on your credit year-round for free.
Look for red flags:
Accounts you didn’t open
Credit inquiries from companies you never applied to
Incorrect personal information (like unfamiliar addresses or Social Security number digits)
Balances that seem too high on your current accounts
Monitor your bills and mail:
Don’t ignore strange bills, collection notices, or calls about debts you don’t recognize. These are often the first signs someone has stolen your identity.
8 Steps for Recovering From Identity Theft
Step 1: Contact the companies where fraud occurred
Call each creditor’s fraud department. Ask them to close or freeze the account immediately. Document every call: date, time, the name of the person you spoke to, and what was said.
STEP 2: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
A fraud alert is free and lasts for 90 days (you can renew it). It signals to lenders that they must verify your identity before opening new accounts. You only need to contact one bureau — they’ll notify the others.
Extended fraud alert: If you’ve filed a police report or an Identity Theft Report, you can request an extended alert that lasts seven years.
Credit freeze: Consider freezing your credit, which blocks access to your reports entirely. In Minnesota, identity theft victims can do this for free.
STEP 3: File a report with the FTC
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and create a personalized recovery plan. Print and save the report — it’s called an Identity Theft Report and is a critical part of the recovery process.
STEP 4: Consider filing a police report
Some creditors or bureaus may require one. When you go to the police department to file the report, make sure to bring the following documents:
A copy of your FTC report
Your government-issued ID
Proof of your address
Any evidence of the theft
Ask for a copy of the police report and keep it in your records.
STEP 5: Close Fraudulent Accounts and Reverse Unauthorized Charges
List every fake account and any unauthorized charges on your real accounts. Then:
Contact the creditor’s fraud department
Send your FTC report and police report
Request written confirmation that accounts were closed and you won’t be held responsible
Keep all letters and responses.
STEP 6: Dispute Fraudulent Items with the Credit Bureaus
Write a dispute letter to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Include:
A copy of your credit report with fraud items circled
Your FTC Identity Theft Report (and police report, if available)
A clear request to block the fraudulent items from your report
You can find sample letters at IdentityTheft.gov. Save all correspondence.
STEP 7: Notify Any Debt Collectors Involved
If you're being contacted about debts you didn’t create, don’t ignore it.
Send a written letter explaining the identity theft
Include your FTC and police reports, plus any letters from creditors clearing you
Request they stop contacting you and remove the debt
Keep a log of collection calls and save all letters.
STEP 8: Get Legal Help if Disputes Aren’t Resolved
If the credit bureaus refuse to remove fraudulent accounts, or if collectors keep harassing you, don’t fight alone. Consumer protection laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) give you powerful rights.
A consumer protection who handles identity theft cases can:
Force credit bureaus and creditors to correct your report
Stop illegal collection activity
Help you sue if your rights were violated
In many cases, these laws allow you to recover damages — and make the wrongdoers pay your attorney’s fees.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from identity theft takes time, patience, and documentation, but you can take control. The steps above aren’t just helpful; they’re your legal rights. Keep records, follow up persistently, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.