Identity theft can disrupt your life, wreck your finances, and even lead to the loss of your security clearance. Here’s what to do if you think someone has stolen your identity:
- Call the companies where you know fraud occurred. Ask them to close or freeze those accounts because your identity was stolen. Change your account logins, passwords, and PINS.
- Then, place a fraud alert and get your credit report. Contact one of the credit bureaus for the alert. It’s free and lasts one year. That bureau must tell the other two.
- Equifax
1-800-685-1111 - Experian
1-888-397-3742 - TransUnion
1-888-909-8872
- Equifax
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. Report the crime and get a recovery plan that’s just for you. Create an account to help you keep track of your progress.
- Notify your commanding officer. You don’t want them caught off guard if they get calls looking for you, trying to collect on debts that aren’t yours.