Report to Equifax

• Fraud alerts and security freezes on your Equifax credit file
• Accounts opened in your name that appear on your report
• Emails and calls impersonating Equifax
• Disputes about fraudulent entries on your credit report

1. 1

   File the identity theft report with the FTC first

   Submit it at identitytheft.gov. Equifax points there because it gives you an identity theft report and a recovery plan, and an account there lets you track progress.

2. 2

   File a police report

   Equifax advises filing with local law enforcement as well. The police report is the document that proves you said you were a victim.

3. 3

   Place a fraud alert with Equifax

   Create or sign in to a myEquifax account, or call the automated line on (800) 685-1111. An initial fraud alert lasts a year and is free. It tells lenders to take extra steps to verify identity.

4. 4

   Consider a security freeze instead

   A freeze is stronger than an alert and also free. Equifax notes both options, and a freeze has to be lifted before new credit can be opened in your name at all.

• Your FTC identity theft report number
• The police report, if you have filed one
• A list of the accounts or entries you do not recognise

A fraud alert applies for a year and is free. After that the work is with the banks and collection agencies to remove fraudulent accounts from the report.