Identity Theft
Fraudulent Accounts on Your Credit Report: Steps to Take After Identity Theft
How to respond to accounts you did not open, including identity theft reports, blocking fraudulent information, fraud alerts, and security freezes.
Updated · 6 min read
Act quickly
If you find accounts or inquiries you do not recognize, act promptly to limit further damage. Start by reviewing all three credit reports so you know the full extent of the problem.
Create an identity theft report
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov, the FTC's official site. It produces an FTC Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan. You may also want to file a report with your local police.
Ask the bureaus to block fraudulent information
Under Section 605B of the FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c-2), you can ask each bureau to block information that resulted from identity theft. Send proof of identity, a copy of your identity theft report, and a list of the items that are not yours.
The bureau generally must block the information within four business days of receiving your request, and notify the furnisher.
Fraud alerts and security freezes
- Initial fraud alert: lasts one year and asks lenders to verify your identity. Placing it with one bureau notifies the other two.
- Extended fraud alert: lasts seven years and requires an identity theft report.
- Security freeze: free under federal law. It restricts access to your report so new credit is harder to open in your name. You must contact each bureau separately.
Contact the companies involved
Contact the fraud department of each company where an account was opened. Ask them to close the account and send written confirmation that you are not responsible for it.
Common questions
- Does a security freeze affect my credit score?
- No. A freeze does not affect your score, and you can temporarily lift it when you need to apply for credit.