If you gave out your Social Security number
Seerco Private Client
Keep this with your important papers. Work down the list and tick each step as you finish it.
If money is moving, call your bank first. If you also shared bank or card details, call your bank or card issuer now, using the number on your card or statement. If anyone is threatening your safety, call 911.
Right now in the first hour
Stop all contact
Hang up, stop replying, click nothing. Give no more information, even to someone who says they are from the government.
Write down what happened
Use the notes box at the bottom of this sheet.
Change any password you shared
Change it from a device you trust, and turn on two-step sign-in.
Today before the end of the day
Freeze your credit at all three bureaus
Free, and lasts until you lift it. Contact each bureau: equifax.com, experian.com/freeze, transunion.com/credit-freeze. Cannot today? A fraud alert with one bureau covers all three for a year.
Equifax (888) 298-0045
Experian (888) 397-3742
TransUnion (800) 916-8800
Report it to the FTC
Number already used: IdentityTheft.gov. Not used, or not sure: IdentityTheft.gov/databreach. Report the scammer at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
FTC 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
oig.ssa.gov (Social Security scams)
This week within a few days
Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN
Helps stop tax returns filed in your name. The online tool is offline Nov 16, 2026 to mid-January 2027; use Form 15227 or an in-person appointment.
irs.gov, search “Get an IP PIN”
Lock your number in E-Verify
Self Lock stops your number being used to confirm work eligibility. Stays on until you unlock it.
e-verify.gov/mye-verify/self-lock
Check your credit reports
Free every week at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts, addresses or credit checks you do not recognize.
Free reports (877) 322-8228
Keep watching over the coming months
Watch for follow-ups
Unfamiliar charges, account mail or IRS letters: go back to IdentityTheft.gov. Never pay anyone to “recover” your number.