There's a clear pattern: contact lender → close account → dispute on report → freeze credit. Repeat for each fraudulent entry, and keep every reference number.
Sample wording for lenders
Good to know
'I am reporting an account in my name that I did not open. This is identity theft. Please close the account, mark it as fraudulent in your records, and confirm in writing that I am not liable for the balance. My identity-theft report reference is [number].'
Sample wording for collectors
Good to know
Under FCRA (US), Consumer Credit Act (UK) and the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (AU), collectors must stop chasing you once they're notified of identity theft and given a report reference.
Was this guide helpful?
Know someone who needs this? Send them the guide.
JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers