Discovering you’ve been a victim of identity theft can be stressful, but taking quick action can help minimize the damage. Here’s what to do if it happens to you:

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Review your credit reports, bank statements, and recent transactions for any suspicious activity.

Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
Contact Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit. This makes it harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name. Need to report fraud? Click here for the contact numbers of all three credit bureaus. 

Report It
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan and notify your local police department if necessary.

Notify Your Financial Institutions
Contact Sandia Area and any other financial institutions immediately. We can help secure your accounts, close compromised ones, and monitor for suspicious activity.

Secure Your Online Accounts
Change passwords, enable multifactor authentication, and avoid using the same password across multiple sites.

Monitor and Follow Up
Keep an eye on your credit reports and account activity regularly. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service to stay protected.

Tip: You’re entitled to a free credit report from each bureau once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing these reports often can help you spot issues early.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact Sandia Area right away — we’re here to help you take the next steps to secure your identity and finances. Want more information on how to protect yourself from Identity theft and scams? Visit our Financial Fraud and Security Center for resources.