Identity theft
What to do if an account on your credit report isn't yours
A step-by-step plan for accounts you never opened.
Direct answer
Confirm you don't recognize it, report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov, place a fraud alert or credit freeze, then dispute the account with each bureau and the company that reported it, attaching your identity theft report. You can also request a block of fraudulent information under FCRA Section 605B.
1. Confirm it isn't yours
Check for accounts under a former name, a relative's file mixed into yours, or a joint or authorized-user account you forgot. If it's still unfamiliar, treat it as a possible fraud.
2. Report identity theft
IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government's resource: it creates an FTC Identity Theft Report and a recovery plan. Police reports can add support.
3. Protect your file
Place a fraud alert, or a security freeze, with the bureaus. A freeze generally stops new creditors from accessing your file until you lift it.
4. Dispute and request a block
Send each bureau a letter with your identity theft report, ID and proof of address, asking them to block the fraudulent information. Also contact the company that reported it.
5. Keep records
Save copies of everything and use delivery proof. Follow up if you don't receive results.
How Rapid Rescore helps
Our identity theft dispute template and free letter generator build the letter for each bureau, including Equifax's fraud address routing, and offer certified mailing.
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Rapid Rescore writes dispute letters to all three bureaus in minutes, free. Mail them yourself, or have us mail them first-class or certified with tracking. No credit card required to start.
Create my free accountGeneral educational information, not legal or financial advice. Rapid Rescore is not a law firm and does not guarantee any result. Published October 2026.
No. An alert tells creditors to verify your identity; a freeze generally blocks access to your file until you lift it.
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