What To Do When Your Identity Has Been Stolen: 6 Practical Steps To Take

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I started this week with some unpleasant news. I got an alert that my login information had been found on the dark web, leaving it wide open to hackers. Today, I’ll share the first six steps to take after your identity has been stolen. Remember that once identity theft happens, acting quickly is your best defense. Thieves work fast, and every hour counts. The quicker you act, the better you can defend yourself and protect against further damage. 1. Understand the scope of the theft Once you know someone has your personal information, you should check a few common places. First, run a credit report. You’ll learn the information associated with your name, including credit accounts, addresses, and recent inquiries. Warning flags would be any unfamiliar information. If you haven’t looked at a credit report before, checking out a sample can help.