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?!How to Adult

Lesson

What to do if your identity is stolen

Published:
October 12, 2026
Review status:
Needs verification — carefully written, not yet checked by a qualified professional

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AThe super simple explanation

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information — like your Social Security number or card details — without permission.

Act fast: report it, lock down your credit, and contact the affected companies.

IdentityTheft.gov, run by the FTC, gives you a personalized recovery plan.

BWhy does this even matter?

  • Unchecked fraud can damage your credit and leave you dealing with debts that aren't yours.
  • Quick action limits the damage.

COkay, how does it work?

Unfamiliar charges, bills for things you didn't buy, accounts on your you didn't open, or debt collector calls.

DShow me an example

A mystery credit card

Jamie gets a bill for a credit card Jamie never opened.

Jamie calls the card company's fraud department, files a report on IdentityTheft.gov, and freezes credit at all three bureaus.

Illustrative example with made-up people and numbers — not current rates or rules.

EWalk me through it

  1. 1Call the fraud department of any company where fraud happened.
  2. 2Go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a recovery plan.
  3. 3Place a fraud alert with one credit bureau.
  4. 4Consider a credit freeze with all three bureaus.
  5. 5Get your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute fraudulent items.
  6. 6Change passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.
  7. 7Keep notes of every call, date, and person you spoke to.

FWords you should know

Fraud alert
A note on your credit file asking lenders to verify your identity.
Credit freeze
A block that stops most new credit from being opened in your name.
Two-factor authentication
A second login step, like a code, beyond your password.
More in “Words everyone pretends to know” →

GCommon mistakes

  • Waiting to see if it gets worse.
  • Only calling one company and stopping there.
  • Clicking links in messages claiming to help — scammers target victims too.

HQuestions people are too embarrassed to ask

IQuiz me

Totally optional. Nobody's grading you.

Question 1

Q1. Which official site gives a recovery plan?

Question 2

Q2. Does a credit freeze lower your score?

Question 3

Q3. To freeze credit, contact…

JWhat next?

  1. 1.Bookmark IdentityTheft.gov.
  2. 2.Consider freezing your credit even before anything happens.

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