What to Do If You Suspect Your Identity Has Been Stolen

Identity theft is a race against time — the faster you act, the less damage is done. Freeze your credit immediately with all major credit bureaus. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Then contact your banks and credit card companies to flag your accounts and issue new cards. Change passwords for all financial accounts, email, and any service linked to your identity.

File a police report — you will need it for disputes with creditors. Report the theft to your country's identity theft authority. Check all your accounts for unauthorized transactions and dispute each one in writing. Start a log from the first moment: every call, every report, every change you make. This documentation will be essential as you untangle the damage over the coming weeks.