What should a victim of identity theft do first?

The initial step a victim of identity theft should take is to report it to the appropriate authorities. This includes contacting law enforcement and possibly the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or relevant local agencies. Reporting the theft creates an official record of the crime, which is crucial for subsequent steps, such as disputing unauthorized charges or protecting one's credit.

Establishing this formal report can aid in preventing further misuse of the victim's identity and serve as documentation when dealing with financial institutions, credit bureaus, or other relevant organizations. Taking swift action by reporting ensures that the situation is addressed seriously and can help mitigate any potential damages from the theft.

While changing passwords and other preventive measures are necessary, they typically follow the initial reporting step to ensure that the incident is officially noted and that further protective measures can be coordinated effectively. Ignoring the situation or updating personal information on social media can exacerbate the problem, increasing exposure to further risks.