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Recover My Identity for Free

Becoming a victim of identity theft can feel like your life has been hijacked. Unexpected charges appear, bills pour in, and your credit may start to unravel. But with a clear roadmap and expert support, you can rebuild your life. The Identity Theft Resource Center is the only nonprofit in the nation to offer free identity theft advice and victim assistance to individuals affected by identity crime.

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Chat with an ITRC expert advisor in real time on the company website. Advisors can help you create a resolution plan specific to your case.
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Speak with an ITRC expert advisor toll-free by phone (888.400.5530) during our normal business hours (6 a.m.-5 p.m. PST) for one-on-one assistance.
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Text with an ITRC expert advisor by phone (888.400.5530) during our normal business hours (6 a.m.-5 p.m. PST) for no-cost assistance.
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How the ITRC Supports Your Recovery

While the FTC offers essential tools, the path to reclaiming your identity can be overwhelming. The ITRC provides tailored support and resources.

Education and tools

Access resources that help you navigate each step with confidence.

Specialized assistance

Whether dealing with medical fraud, criminal impersonation, or other identity crimes, our team is equipped to help.

Immediate Steps to Take After Experiencing Identity Theft

While the FTC offers essential tools, the path to reclaiming your identity can be overwhelming. The ITRC provides tailored support and resources.

1

Notify Your Financial Institutions, If Applicable

Immediately call every bank or credit card issuer where fraud occurred. Explain the situation, freeze or close affected accounts, and request written confirmation that the account or charges are fraudulent and will not affect your liability. Keep every statement and letter you receive.

2

Review Your Credit Reports and Freeze Your Credit

Regularly check your credit reports and freeze your credit to catch and prevent unauthorized account activity. You can freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Visit www.frozenpii.com to learn more.

3

File a Police Report

Bring your FTC report, ID and any supporting documents (like bills or IRS notices) to your local law enforcement agency. If the agency needs convincing, show them the FTC’s memo to law enforcement. A police report often satisfies creditors and other agencies that request proof of theft.

4

Dispute Information on Your Credit Report

If you identify an error on your credit report, you should start by disputing that information with the credit reporting company (Experian, Equifax or TransUnion). You should explain in writing what you think is wrong, why and include copies of documents that support your dispute. 

Your Rights as an Identity Theft Victim

Knowledge is power—and when it comes to identity theft, the law is firmly on your side. Here’s a breakdown of your rights:

Credit Report Rights
  • Credit Freezes: Credit freezes, thaws and unfreezes are free by law. Once frozen, bureaus cannot share your credit report without your permission.
  • Blocking fraudulent entries: Bureaus must remove or block disputed information tied to fraudulent accounts when you provide proper documentation.
  • Credit cards: Federal law caps your responsibility for unauthorized charges at $50, and this amount is often waived if reported promptly.
  • Debit cards: If you report a lost or stolen card within two business days, you’re liable for no more than $50; if reported after two days but within 60 days, liability is capped at $500.
  • Once they receive your Identity Theft Report, creditors can’t report fraudulent debts, nor can they turn those accounts over to collectors.
  • You have the right to request documents and transaction histories associated with accounts opened or used fraudulently.
  • Debt collectors must stop contact upon receiving your written request and provide written verification of debts.
If someone commits crimes using your identity, law enforcement must update records to reflect the true identity of the perpetrator. They must issue clearance certificates, and you’re entitled to present these in court to assert your innocence.
Children, whose identities may be used without detection until later in life, can place credit freezes or alerts with bureaus. The ITRC guides parents and guardians in issuing necessary documentation.
You may request all medical records, correct misinformation, and compel providers or insurers to notify others with shared data of the correction.

“You were of tremendous help and gave invaluable advice. I believe many people in my situation feel intimidated, you proved to me, that I do not have to be, for that was a valuable lesson.”
Victim

“I have been speaking to several different agencies and their representatives, and I feel you are at the top as far as excellent customer service. You have a wealth of knowledge. A tremendous help for me going forward.”
Victim

“[ITRC Advisor] was excellent in encouraging me that I’m on the right path. [ITRC Advisor] decreased my stress level, gave me positive feedback, and the next steps to take. As hard as this is, I feel I can sleep better and keep reminding myself I’m not alone.”
Victim

Reclaim Your Identity with the ITRC

Identity theft doesn’t just threaten your credit—it disrupts your sense of safety, personal trust, and control. But recovery is achievable. With the hands-on support of the ITRC, you can restore your identity fully. It may take time, but with expert guidance and systematic action, you’ll emerge with your reputation intact and your peace of mind regained.