It's a horrible feeling. One day you're going about your business, and the next you notice something weird. Maybe it's a charge you don't recognise, or maybe you get a letter about a loan you never applied for. Whatever it is, it sends that little wave of panic through your chest. If you think your identity has been stolen, here's what you can do to take back control.
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Start by freezing your cards
First thing's first, stop any more damage from happening. Call your bank and let them know what's going on. They'll usually freeze your card right away and send you a new one. If it's your credit card, same thing. The quicker you act, the less chance anyone has to spend your money or rack up debt in your name.
Change your passwords
Once you've got your bank on it, it's time to go through your passwords. Start with the most important ones like your email, online banking, and shopping sites. If you've been using the same password everywhere (we've all done it), now's a good time to mix them up. Use something strong, and consider using a password manager if you keep forgetting them.
Check your credit report
You can get a free copy of your credit report from sites like Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. Look for anything that doesn't seem right, like accounts you don't remember opening or searches you didn't make. If you spot anything suspicious, report it straight away. It's your first big clue as to how far things have gone.
Report it to the right people
In the UK, Action Fraud is the place to go. They'll log your case and give you a crime reference number, which can be really helpful if you need to prove anything later on. You can do it all online, and it doesn't take long.
Get legal help
If things get more serious, or if your name's been used in something bigger like a scam or loan fraud, it might be worth speaking to a fraud solicitor. They'll know how to deal with the legal side of things and help you clear your name. Most people won't need one, but it's good to know the option's there if it gets complicated.
Keep an eye on everything
Once you've reported it and secured your accounts, don't just move on and hope for the best. Keep checking your bank statements and credit reports regularly. Set up alerts with your bank so you get notified if anything unusual happens. Being proactive now can save you a lot of stress later.
Tell people close to you
If your email or socials were hacked, there's a chance scammers could message your friends or family pretending to be you. A quick heads-up can help stop them falling for it. It's awkward, but it's better than staying quiet and letting the scam spread. Not only that, having a support network of people that care about you is useful in a time where things feel uncertain.
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