It often starts small. A credit card charge you don’t recognize. A letter about a loan you never applied for. A call from a debt collector that leaves you confused—and uneasy.
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Identity theft rarely announces itself loudly at first. And when it happens, the stress can feel overwhelming. The good news? Acting quickly can dramatically limit the damage. With the right steps, you can protect your finances, your credit, and your sense of control.
As a community bank, we’ve walked neighbors through this more times than we’d like to count. Here’s exactly what to do if you think your identity has been stolen—and how to move forward with confidence.
When it comes to identity theft, speed is everything. The sooner you respond, the easier it is to stop fraud from spreading.
If something feels off, trust that instinct. You don’t need absolute proof to start taking action.
Call your bank and any affected credit card companies as soon as you notice suspicious activity. Ask them to:
At a community bank, this isn’t a call center conversation. It’s a real person who knows how to help—and stays with you through the process.
Protecting your credit is one of the most important steps you can take.
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit. It’s free and lasts one year (and can be renewed).
You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus—they’ll notify the others:
A credit freeze offers stronger protection by preventing new credit from being opened entirely unless you personally lift the freeze. This is also free and often the best option after confirmed identity theft.
Request free copies of your credit reports and review them line by line.
Look for:
You can access all three reports at AnnualCreditReport.com
If you spot errors related to identity theft, dispute them immediately with the credit bureau and the lender reporting the account.
Reporting identity theft creates an official record—and gives you a recovery plan tailored to your situation.
File your report at IdentityTheft.gov.
This documentation is incredibly helpful when dealing with banks, creditors, and credit bureaus.
In some cases—especially if significant money is involved or you’re dealing with debt collectors—a police report may be required.
While it may feel intimidating, this step adds an extra layer of protection and credibility to your case.
Identity theft often starts with a digital breach.
If your email was compromised, secure it first. Email access often unlocks everything else.
Even after you’ve handled the immediate issue, stay vigilant.
Many banks—including ours—offer account alerts that notify you of unusual activity in real time. These small tools can make a big difference.
Not sure if what you’re experiencing qualifies as identity theft? Some common red flags include:
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth taking action—even if you’re still unsure.
When identity theft happens, people often feel embarrassed or overwhelmed. They shouldn’t.
At a community bank, our role goes beyond transactions. We help you:
You’re not just a case number. You’re our neighbor.
Identity theft can shake your sense of security—but it doesn’t have to define your financial future.
Taking swift, informed action puts you back in control. And having a trusted financial partner by your side makes the road forward far less daunting.
If you ever have questions or need help navigating a tough financial moment, we’re here. Stop by, call us, or reach out. That’s what community banking is all about—looking out for one another, especially when it matters most.