What should someone who is a victim of identity theft do first?

When someone becomes a victim of identity theft, the first and most critical step is to inform the police about the fraudulent activity. Notifying law enforcement helps to create an official record of the theft, which can be essential for disputing fraudulent charges and accounts, as well as for any investigations that may follow. This step is key in building a strong case if further action or resolution is needed, and it also assists in protecting the victim's rights.

While closing tampered accounts and changing passwords are important actions to take afterward, they should follow the report to the police. These steps help to minimize further damage and secure personal information but the urgency and importance of filing a report with law enforcement cannot be overstated. Ignoring the situation is not advisable, as identity theft typically does not resolve itself and can lead to further financial loss and complications.