How Can I Repair Credit After Identity Theft?

You protect your credit right now after identity theft by taking these 7 urgent steps. They block new fraudulent accounts and limit damage fast.

1. You contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion fraud departments to place an fraud alert. It requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
2. You get free credit reports from all three credit bureaus weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them closely for fraudulent accounts or inquiries.
3. You file an FTC Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov. This official document proves your case to bureaus and creditors.
4. You file a police report with your local department. Reference it in disputes alongside your FTC report.
5. You place a credit freeze with each credit bureau. It stops access to your credit file, preventing new credit approvals.
6. You request an extended fraud alert (up to 7 years) using your FTC report. Lenders must contact you before any new credit.
7. You notify affected creditors and banks in writing. Demand they close fraudulent accounts and stop collections.

pull free weekly credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion via AnnualCreditReport.com to spot hidden fraud. Review every section closely for unfamiliar fraudulent accounts, inquiries, addresses, or personal info changes signaling identity theft. Act fast, as thieves open accounts in your name that tank your score.

• Log into AnnualCreditReport.com; select each bureau separately.
• Download and print full reports; compare against your known accounts.
• Flag suspicious items like unknown credit cards, loans, or hard inquiries.
• Note exact dates, account numbers, and balances for later disputes.
• Repeat monthly to catch ongoing fraud.

• Go to IdentityTheft.gov and file your FTC Identity Theft Report online.
• Detail the fraudulent accounts and theft timeline there.
• Download and print your official FTC Identity Theft Report.
• Take it to your local police station to file a complaint.
• Request a copy of the police report with a case number.
• Keep both reports for disputing with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Dispute fraudulent accounts on your reports with each bureau

You dispute fraudulent accounts separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Send a dispute letter to each credit bureau. Include your FTC Identity Theft Report, police report, and proof of identity. Request removal of fraudulent accounts.

• fraudulent accounts on your credit reports from Equifax (equifax.com), Experian (experian.com), and TransUnion (transunion.com).
• dispute forms from each bureau's site or use their online portal.
• Mail your dispute via certified mail for proof of receipt (bureaus must investigate within 30 days).
• Attach copies (not originals) of your FTC report, police complaint, and ID like driver's license or Social Security card.

Bureaus remove unverified fraudulent accounts or block them from your reports. Review updated reports after 30-45 days to confirm changes.

You remove fraudulent accounts from your credit reports by sending precise dispute letters to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Include your full name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. List each fraudulent account with its creditor name, account number, and exact opening date. State clearly that identity theft created these items; attach copies of your FTC Identity Theft Report and police report if available (not required, but they strengthen your case). Demand the bureaus delete the items or verify them, which thieves cannot do.

Mail letters via certified mail for proof. Credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days of receipt. They contact the creditor for proof; without it, items vanish from your reports. Track results online or by phone. Repeat for any unresolved issues. You succeed fastest when you act methodically after your extended fraud alert and freeze.

Contact each creditor listed on your credit reports to request removal of fraudulent charges and prepare for their investigation of your dispute.

1. Gather your FTC Identity Theft Report, police complaint, and evidence of fraud from your credit reports.
2. Call the creditor's fraud department using the number on your credit report or their official website - avoid numbers on suspicious statements.
3. Explain the identity theft, provide your FTC report details, and request they close the fraudulent account and remove all related charges.
4. Follow up in writing via certified mail with the same documents, clearly stating you dispute the charges as fraudulent.
5. Track the creditor's response; they must investigate, typically within 30 days.
6. Follow up as needed if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time (typically 30 days).

You force debt collectors to validate fraudulent debts by sending a validation request letter within 30 days of their initial contact. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), they must cease collection activities until they mail you validation. Demand proof the debt is yours, such as the original contract signed by you. They may still report the debt to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, but the credit bureaus must mark it as disputed; if validation fails, bureaus may delete it.

Send your letter certified mail, return receipt requested.
Include your FTC Identity Theft Report.
Keep records of all communications.

Collectors ignoring this violate FDCPA; report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

You rebuild credit after identity theft by using secured cards and small installment loans (credit-builder loans).

Secured cards require you to deposit cash equal to your credit limit, which banks hold as collateral. You use the card like a regular credit card, and issuers report your on-time payments to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Credit-builder loans work as installment accounts where you make fixed monthly payments into a savings account held by the lender; they release funds to you after full repayment, while reporting positive activity to bureaus.

Start with a low-limit secured card from a credit union or bank (check eligibility post-fraud removal). Charge small amounts you pay off monthly. Pair it with a credit-builder loan offering short terms (6-24 months) and low fees from community financial institutions. Track progress via free weekly credit reports; expect score improvements in 3-6 months with consistent use.

You hire a professional recovery service for complex identity theft cases; you handle repairs yourself for simpler ones.

Hire pros if multiple fraudulent accounts appear across Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion reports, or if tax-related theft complicates your FTC Identity Theft Report. They manage endless creditor calls, craft airtight dispute letters, and track 30-day bureau investigations. (Pros often succeed faster amid burnout.) Fees run $50-$150 monthly, but save your time.

DIY if you spot only 1-2 fraudulent accounts after your credit freeze and extended fraud alert. You dispute directly via certified mail with proof - no cost beyond stamps. Bureaus remove items or explain in writing. Track progress yourself; rebuild with secured cards. You control every step.

You fix tax-related identity theft by filing IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to report the issue. Call the IRS at 800-908-4490 or visit irs.gov/identitytheft if you spot a fraudulent tax return filed in your name. The IRS investigates and helps resolve fake filings or payments.

You then apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) online at irs.gov/ippinp or via Form 15227. IRS mails the PIN securely once approved. Use it annually to verify your identity on future tax returns.

Enter your IP PIN when filing returns or checking "Where's My Refund?" status; it never displays publicly. This locks out thieves. Monitor IRS transcripts yearly at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript to catch ongoing fraud.

You monitor your credit reports weekly for free at AnnualCreditReport.com (through at least 2025) to catch new fraudulent accounts early. You keep your credit freeze in place indefinitely with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion until you lift it yourself, since freezes never expire or need renewal. You consider paid credit monitoring services for real-time alerts on changes.

You strengthen account security by enabling two-factor authentication on all financial accounts, using unique strong passwords managed by a reputable password manager, and regularly reviewing bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity. You update security questions with personal info thieves couldn't guess and shred sensitive documents before disposal.