We earn a commission when you buy through our links. Commissions never change a score — the rubric is public.Advertising Disclosure
RankingRight
ElectronicsForm a companyKids Learning AppsLaptopsMattressesOnline CoursesOnline TherapyTax SoftwareTravel InsuranceVPN ServicesVideo Editing SoftwareAntivirus SoftwareCell Phone PlansHearing AidsHome & kitchenHospitalsLanguage Learning AppsNoise-Cancelling HeadphonesNursing HomesParental Control AppsPhoto Editing SoftwarePillowsSoftware & AppsWeb HostingBaby MonitorsDomain RegistrarsEducationHealth & WellnessHomework Help & Study ToolsMeal Kit DeliveryPassword ManagersPayrollTV Streaming ServicesCRMFamily & KidsIdentity Theft ProtectionJob Search SitesPortable MonitorsRobot VacuumsSTEM Kits for KidsAir PurifiersBackground Check SitesMoney & FinancePayments & POSSmartwatchesStrollersTravel & eSIMWebsite BuildersAccounting SoftwareCar SeatsDating AppsHome Security CamerasEmail Marketing SoftwareKids' BackpacksMoving CompaniesKids' TabletsProject Management Software How We Rank How We Make Money Search
Home / Identity Theft Protection guides / What to Do in the First 48 Hours After Identity Theft

What to Do in the First 48 Hours After Identity Theft

The federal reporting steps, the calls to make in order, and how the restoration teams in our ranking take it from there.

Written by Team RankingRight
September 2, 2026 · 4 min read

Hour one

  1. Call the bank or card issuer for any account touched; freeze or close it.
  2. Change passwords on email first, then financial accounts; enable two-factor.

Day one

  1. File a report at IdentityTheft.gov — it generates a recovery plan and an FTC affidavit.
  2. Place a fraud alert (one bureau notifies the others) or a freeze at all three.
  3. Pull your credit reports and dispute every unknown account.

Day two

  1. File a police report if asked by a creditor; keep the number.
  2. If mail was diverted, contact USPS; if your SSN was used for work, the IRS (Form 14039).

If you have a service

Aura, LifeLock, IDShield and Zander assign a specialist who does most of this with a limited power of attorney and files the insurance claim. That is the part you are paying for.

» See the full rankings: Best Identity Theft Protection Services of 2026, Best Identity Theft Protection for Seniors .