---
title: "Identity theft: signs, protection, and reporting"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: FTC Consumer Advice, \"What To Know About Identity Theft\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: government-legal
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "What To Know About Identity Theft"
    publisher: FTC Consumer Advice
    url: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "Free Credit Reports"
    publisher: FTC Consumer Advice
    url: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Identity theft: signs, protection, and reporting

## Summary
Identity theft is someone using your personal or financial information without permission. Watch bills, bank statements, and credit reports. A credit freeze and fraud alert are free. Report at IdentityTheft.gov for a personal recovery plan.

> **General information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by state; check the official source or a qualified professional for your situation.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Identity theft means someone uses your personal or financial information without permission.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: Signs include missing bills, charges you did not make, unexpected withdrawals, and unfamiliar accounts on your credit report.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: A credit freeze blocks new credit accounts and is free to place and lift; contact each of Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: A free one-year fraud alert can be placed by contacting one bureau, which must notify the other two.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: The IRS, your bank, and your employer will not call, email, or text asking for your Social Security number.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F6
  claim: Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov (Spanish: RobodeIdentidad.gov) to get a free personal recovery plan.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft; https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports
  access: open, no account