What should you do if you suspect you are the victim of identity theft?

If you become a victim of identity theft, or even suspect that you might be a victim, take immediate action.

1. Contact one of the credit reporting agencies’ fraud alert departments and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
2. Contact your lenders, banks, and insurance companies and let them know the situation.

Does a stolen credit card count as identity theft?

Credit card fraud is a potential consequence of identity theft. Here, a thief steals your credit card information and then makes purchases in a store or online. Identity thieves can steal your personal information to open a new line of credit, open a new credit card, or obtain a false ID in your name.

Can someone steal your identity with your credit card?

1. Thieves don’t need your credit card number in order to steal it. Conversely, thieves don’t need your credit card in order to steal your identity. Identity thieves are crafty; sometimes all they need is one piece of information about you and they can easily gain access to the rest.

How do you fix a stolen identity?

1. File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.
2. Notify companies of your stolen identity.
3. File a report with the FTC.
4. Contact your local police department.
5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
6. Freeze your credit.
7. Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.

What happens to your credit if your identity is stolen?

Using your personal data, an identity thief could open new credit accounts or apply for unsecured loans. Identity theft could also damage your credit report—jeopardizing your future applications for credit cards, loans, or even jobs.

What to do if you are a victim of identity theft?

If you believe you’re a victim of identity theft (e.g., someone opened a credit card in your name), follow all the steps above, plus: Add a fraud alert to your credit report by visiting our fraud center. If you find fraudulent accounts or inquiries on your credit report, contact each creditor directly to make them aware of the fraud.

What to do if your credit card is stolen?

“Sign your credit card with a Sharpie so your signature can’t be erased and written over,” suggests Echo Montgomery Garrett, a writer in Marietta, Georgia. Consultant Sarah Browne of Carmel, California, had all but one credit card stolen from a hotel room. The card that was spared still had the “Please Activate” sticker on it.

How to know if you are a victim of credit card fraud?

Often, signs of fraud — such as new accounts you don’t recognize — will show up on credit card statements first, soon to follow on your credit reports. When you request a fraud alert, you will also get a copy of your credit report. Did you know you can also get a free copy of your Experian credit report at any time, too?