Identity-theft resource
Identity Theft 48-Hour Emergency Checklist
Something looks wrong. You do not need to solve everything immediately. Use this page to organize your first response.
First Hour
- Preserve what you found. Save suspicious notices, screenshots, emails, messages, transactions, account information, and dates.
- Write down what happened. Separate what you know from what you suspect.
- Protect obviously compromised accounts. Contact affected institutions using contact information you independently trust.
- Start an incident log. Record names, dates, case numbers, conversations, and next steps.
Today
- Determine what information may be compromised. Credit card? Bank account? Social Security number? New credit account? Something else?
- Consider freezing your credit. Credit freezes are free and can help prevent identity thieves from opening new credit accounts. To freeze across the three nationwide bureaus, contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately.
- Consider a fraud alert. An initial fraud alert is free and tells prospective creditors to verify your identity before opening new credit. Contacting one nationwide bureau is enough to initiate an alert with all three.
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov. Report the identity theft when appropriate and obtain the recovery plan for your circumstances.
- Review your credit information. Look for accounts, inquiries, addresses, or debts you do not recognize.
Next 24–48 Hours
- Follow the recovery steps generated for your situation.
- Document every important call or online report.
- Save every case and confirmation number.
- Keep copies of letters, forms, disputes, and supporting documents.
- Add follow-up dates to your calendar.
- Keep your identity-theft records together in one secure location.
- Don’t assume a credit freeze protects an already-compromised account.
Keep This Simple
What happened?
Institutions involved:
Case/reference numbers:
My next three actions:
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
Need the bigger picture?
What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen: The First 48 Hours
Use the full first-response resource alongside this checklist for context, official next steps, and a calmer sequence.
Read the cornerstone resource.Official resource
IdentityTheft.gov — report identity theft and get a recovery plan
The complete playbook
You don't need to become an identity-theft expert tonight. You need a plan.
The First 48 Hours After Your Identity Is Stolen
A practical PDF playbook designed to help you organize the first two days, protect what matters, document what happened, and work through next steps without trying to solve everything at once.
$11.99 • Instant PDF • No subscription