Identity theft on your credit report: what to do first
Move fast, in this order.
1. Freeze or flag your credit
A credit freeze is free and stops new accounts being opened in your name; you place it with each of the three bureaus. A fraud alert is also free: place it with one bureau and it tells the other two. An initial alert lasts 1 year; an extended alert (with an identity theft report) lasts 7 years.
2. Make an identity theft report
Go to IdentityTheft.gov. It gives you a report and a personal recovery plan.
3. Block the fraudulent items
Send each bureau a block request with your report. Our letter builder has this letter. Also contact each company where an account was opened.
4. Keep watching
Check your reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com. Keep a log of who you contacted and when.
Questions
Does a credit freeze hurt my score?
No. You can still use your existing cards. You lift the freeze temporarily when you apply for new credit.
General information, not legal advice. Sources: CFPB, FTC. Checked November 2026.