Post‑breach identity defense — freeze, alert, report, dispute. All in one action kit.
A credit freeze (security freeze) restricts access to your credit report, preventing new accounts from being opened. Freezes are free under federal law (FCRA §605A). You must freeze at each bureau individually.
Online: equifax.com/freeze
Phone: 800-685-1111 (24/7)
Mail: Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348
FREEZE NOW — You’ll need: SSN, birth date, address. Create a PIN (save it!).
Online: experian.com/freeze
Phone: 888-397-3742
Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
FREEZE NOW — Experian will provide a PIN. Keep it confidential.
Online: transunion.com/freeze
Phone: 888-909-8872
Mail: TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
FREEZE NOW — Instant confirmation. Write down your PIN or use their online portal.
A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. Initial alert lasts 1 year (renewable). Extended alert (7 years) requires an FTC identity theft report. Place with ONE bureau — they must notify the others.
Pro tip: Request an extended fraud alert if you have an FTC report (see section 3). You’ll get two free credit reports within 12 months.
An official FTC report (Identity Theft Report) strengthens your case and gives you legal rights to block fraudulent info. File at IdentityTheft.gov or use the template below.
Your name: _________________________________
Date of birth: _________________ SSN (last 4): _______
Current address: _________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email: _________________
Description of identity theft (be specific):
I declare that I am a victim of identity theft. On or about [date], I discovered that my personal information was used without my authorization to open accounts, obtain credit, or commit fraud. The following accounts or transactions are fraudulent: [list accounts, creditors, amounts, dates].
I certify that the information is true and correct.
Signature: _________________ Date: _______________
Attach supporting documents: police report (optional but recommended), proof of identity, and any fraudulent account statements.
Submit to FTC via IdentityTheft.gov or mail to: FTC Identity Theft, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580. Keep a copy for your records.
Use this letter to dispute fraudulent accounts with credit bureaus and creditors. Send via certified mail (return receipt). Bureaus must investigate within 30 days (FCRA §611).
[Your Name]
[Your Address] · [City, State, ZIP] · [Phone] · [Email]
Date: _________________
To: [Credit Bureau / Creditor Name, Address]
Re: Dispute of fraudulent account – Identity theft
Dear Consumer Reporting Agency / Compliance Department,
I am a victim of identity theft. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (§611), I dispute the following account(s) that appear on my credit report as a result of fraud:
This account is not mine. I have enclosed a copy of my FTC Identity Theft Report (or police report) and proof of identity. Please block this information from my credit report and send me a corrected copy.
I request that you promptly investigate and remove this fraudulent entry. You may contact me at the information above.
Sincerely,
_________________________ (signature)
[Your printed name]
Enclosures: FTC report, proof of identity, copy of credit report (if available).