Going forward, it's important to monitor your credit report and your accounts. If you find accounts or charges that you don't recognize, come back to IdentityTheft.gov to report it.
Depending on what information was lost, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself from identity theft:
If a company responsible for exposing your information offers you free credit monitoring, take advantage of it.
Get your free credit reports from
annualcreditreport.com
, and check for any
accounts or charges you don't recognize. You can order a free report
from each of the three credit bureaus once a year.
Consider placing a
free credit freeze.
A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name.
- If you place a freeze, you'll have to lift the freeze before you apply for a new credit card or cell phone - or any service that requires a credit check.
- If you decide not to place a credit freeze, at least consider placing a fraud alert.
Try to file your taxes early -
before a scammer can. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your
Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Respond right away
to letters from the IRS.
Don't believe anyone who calls
and says you'll be arrested unless you pay for taxes or debt - even if
they have part or all of your Social Security number, or they say
they're from the IRS.
Continue to check your credit reports at
annualcreditreport.com.
You can order a free report from each of the three credit reporting agencies once a year.
Contact your bank or credit card company to cancel your card and request a new one.
Review your transactions regularly. Make sure no one misused your card.
- If you find fraudulent charges, call the fraud department and get them removed.
If you have automatic payments set up, update them with your new card number.
Check your credit report at
annualcreditreport.com
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