Identity Theft: The First 24 Hours Matter Most
Who to call, in what order, and how to freeze your credit without getting the runaround.
Identity theft can mean many things — a new credit card opened in your name, a tax return filed by someone else, or a loan you never applied for. Whatever form it takes, the first 24 hours make the biggest difference in limiting the damage.
1. Freeze your credit with all three bureaus
A credit freeze stops anyone (including you, temporarily) from opening new credit in your name until you lift it. It's free, and it's the single most effective step you can take. You need to freeze your credit separately with all three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — since a freeze with one doesn't cover the others. Each has an online freeze request option. If you'd rather not navigate three separate websites during a stressful moment, this is exactly the kind of task we help clients through directly.
2. Report it to the FTC
Visit IdentityTheft.gov and file a report. This generates an official recovery plan and a document that can help you dispute fraudulent accounts with banks and creditors.
3. Contact any company where fraud actually occurred
If a specific account was opened or a specific card was used, call that company's fraud department directly (using the number on their official website or the back of your card, not a number from a suspicious call or email) to report it and begin a dispute.
4. Consider a fraud alert as a lighter-touch option
If a full credit freeze feels like too much right now, a fraud alert is a lighter step that asks lenders to verify your identity before opening new credit — not as strong as a freeze, but better than nothing, and easier to set up on short notice.
5. Watch your accounts closely for the next few months
Identity theft often isn't a single event but an ongoing risk. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly, and consider requesting a free credit report from each bureau to look for anything unfamiliar.
When you're ready to thaw your credit again
If you need to apply for a loan, credit card, or apartment later, you'll need to lift the freeze temporarily. Each bureau lets you do this online or by phone, and it typically takes effect within minutes to a day. We can help with this step too, whenever you need it.
Not sure if this applies to you?
We offer Credit Freeze & Thaw Assistance if you'd rather have someone walk through this with you instead of doing it alone.