Most Important Steps
These are the critical actions you should take immediately to prevent identity theft or mitigate the damage if you’re already a victim.
Step 1: Freeze Your Credit Reports at the Main Bureaus
- Equifax:
- Visit: Equifax Credit Freeze
- How to Navigate:
- Click on “Place or Manage a Freeze.”
- Scroll and click “Get Started” under “Place a Security Freeze on your Credit File.”
- Create an Account or log in if you already have one.
- Enter your personal details, verify your identity, and confirm the freeze.
- Save your PIN or confirmation number.
- Experian:
- Visit: Experian Credit Freeze
- How to Navigate:
- Click on “Add a security freeze” or “Start a new freeze.”
- Fill in your details, verify your identity, and confirm the freeze.
- Save your PIN or password for future management.
- TransUnion:
- Visit: TransUnion Credit Freeze
- How to Navigate:
- Click on “Add Freeze” or “Start Freeze.”
- Create an account or log in, enter your details, verify your identity, and confirm the freeze.
- Save your unique PIN or password.
Step 2: Set Up 7-Year Extended Fraud Alerts (if you’re a victim of identity theft)
- Equifax: Equifax Fraud Alerts
- Experian: Experian Fraud Alerts
- TransUnion: TransUnion Fraud Alerts
Step 3: Obtain an IRS Identity Protection PIN
- Visit: IRS Get an IP PIN
- How to Navigate:
- Click on “Get an IP PIN.”
- Log in or create an account, verify your identity, and set up your PIN.
Step 4: Sign Up for the Social Security Administration’s Online Services
- Visit: Social Security Administration (SSA) My Account
- How to Navigate:
- Click on “Sign In or Create an Account.”
- Create a Login.gov account if you haven’t already, and link it to your SSA account.
- Complete identity verification using personal information and security questions.
- Once registered, regularly monitor your SSA account to prevent unauthorized access.
Step 5: Opt-Out of LexisNexis (If Eligible)
- Visit: LexisNexis Opt-Out Request
- How to Navigate:
- Click on “Submit an Opt-Out Request.”
- Complete the form, using “identity theft” as the reason and upload the FTC report if applicable.
Step 6: Set Up E-Verify and Lock Your SSN
- Visit: E-Verify
- How to Navigate:
- Create an account and lock your SSN to prevent fraudulent employment.
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Less Important (Additional) Steps
These actions provide additional layers of security but are less urgent compared to the primary steps.
Step 7: Freeze Additional Freezable Bureaus
- ChexSystems:
- Visit: ChexSystems Freeze
- Navigation: Click on “Place Freeze,” fill out the form, and verify your identity.
- Innovis:
- Visit: Innovis Freeze
- Navigation: Click on “Add a Security Freeze,” fill in your details, and confirm.
- NCTUE (National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange):
- Visit: NCTUE Freeze
- Navigation: Click on “Place a Security Freeze” and follow the prompts.
Step 8: Register with Key Online Services
- MyEquifax, TransUnion, ID.me, Login.gov, and Studentaid.gov: Register accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Step 9: Secure Your USPS Mail
- USPS Informed Delivery: Sign up to monitor mail and prevent unauthorized forwarding.
Step 10: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Prioritize app-based or physical security keys over SMS for email, bank accounts, and other sensitive services.
Step 11: Set Up Verbal Passwords with Banks
- Call your bank or credit union to add a verbal password to your profile for added security against phone-based fraud.