Speed matters, but so does method. Go to IdentityTheft.gov, create your plan, and follow it. The FTC's recovery plan gives you a step-by-step path and documentation you can use with companies and credit bureaus.
Key Takeaways
- Report identity theft and create a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Contact the companies where fraud occurred and dispute the accounts and charges.
- If the Social Security number is exposed, place a fraud alert or credit freeze and important documents through IdentityTheft.gov.
- A fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report helps block new fraud.
- Keep monitoring and use your FTC recovery plan to keep issues from reappearing.
Step 1 — Report and Start a Recovery Plan
Go to IdentityTheft.gov. Answer the questions and you will get a step-by-step recovery plan and prefilled letters you can send to companies and credit bureaus.
Step 2 — Report Fraud to Companies and Dispute Charges
Report to the companies where the fraud happened. Dispute charges you did not make. If the dispute is with a bank, credit union, or card issuer, send a written dispute letter.
The FTC reminds people they can often file disputes electronically; while credit bureaus have obligations to investigate, a written dispute letter creates a clear documentation trail.
Step 3 — Protect Your Social Security Number
If the SSN is exposed, request important documents through your IdentityTheft.gov recovery plan, including how to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report.
Why a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze Belongs in Your Plan
A fraud alert requires businesses to verify your identity. A credit freeze restricts new account openings unless you lift it. Because an exposed SSN can be used to open new accounts, the FTC says to place a fraud alert or credit freeze as part of your recovery plan. See our credit-freeze versus fraud-alert explainer for the full comparison.
Step 4 — Manage and Monitor Your Recovery
Keep a log of everyone you contacted and what you sent. When a company says it removed fraudulent accounts or charges, get it in writing. Use your recovery plan to monitor, respond to follow-ups, and keep issues from reappearing.
Recovery-Plan Checklist
- Created an IdentityTheft.gov recovery plan.
- Contacted companies where fraud occurred.
- Disputed fraudulent accounts and charges in writing.
- Requested SSN protection documents.
- Placed a fraud alert or credit freeze.
- Updated account logins and passwords.
- Kept a written record of every contact.
- Scheduled follow-up monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Help Recovering From Identity Theft
For employees facing SSN exposure or employers evaluating identity-protection benefits, Blackspire can review legal and identity-restoration support. Confidential and without obligation.
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Sources & Methodology
- FTC — Identity Theft Recovery: Steps to Take (identitytheft.gov)
- FTC — Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts (consumer.ftc.gov)
Disclaimer: Educational only. This article does not provide legal advice. Follow the FTC's current IdentityTheft.gov steps and any applicable SSA or state requirements.
Published: September 11, 2026 · Last Modified: September 11, 2026 · Publisher: Blackspire Advisors · Category: Business Protection