{"id":352676,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/online-scams\/stolen-identity-what-to-do.html"},"modified":"2024-01-19T16:03:28","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T21:03:28","slug":"stolen-identity-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/online-scams\/stolen-identity-what-to-do.html","title":{"rendered":"Stolen Identity? What to Do Next"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Stolen Identity? What to Do Next<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Identity theft victims often don’t know their personal information is compromised until the damage is done. A quick response minimizes the fallout. The sooner you cut off the thief’s access, the better.<\/p>\r\n

Protect yourself or your loved one as a victim of identity theft. Follow the steps in this article if you believe someone stole your identity.<\/p>\r\n

Prepare to file multiple reports with companies and agencies. You’ll also review all your financial and personal accounts to see the full extent of the\u00a0identity thief’s crime<\/a>. Take detailed notes of your actions and conversations throughout the process. Save or copy written correspondence like emails and letters.<\/p>\r\n

Report Identity Theft to the Federal Trade Commission<\/h2>\r\n

Identity theft is a significant focus of the government’s consumer protection efforts. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses fraud reports to help law enforcement officials track and catch identity thieves.<\/p>\r\n

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) created\u00a0IdentityTheft.gov<\/a>, a safe online resource. This website can guide you after a scam, data breach, or another problem exposed you to identity theft. You don’t need to know how the thief stole your information to file a report.<\/p>\r\n

You may file your complaint online or call the FTC’s hotline at 877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338). The FTC will send you a copy of your report and add it to its Identity Theft Clearinghouse.<\/p>\r\n

The Benefits of Your FTC Report<\/h3>\r\n

You can use your printed FTC ID Theft Complaint form to:<\/p>\r\n