Identity Theft and Fraud Recovery
Your information is exposed. Here's what to do first.
Identity theft moves fast and the steps to stop it can feel overwhelming. It disrupts your finances, your sense of security, and your trust in systems you depend on every day. Taking action right now, even one step, is the hardest and most important part. You don't have to figure out the right order on your own.
8 guides · 28 steps
What the plan covers
8 guides. 28 concrete steps.
Each guide covers one part of this event. Inside it, Gaite walks you through specific steps with the documents, deadlines, and people that go with them. Your plan includes the guides that fit your situation. Anything you do not pick stays ready for later.
01Contain the DamageSecure the most exposed accounts, cards, email, and phone access first. This guide stops active fraud from spreading before you begin the longer recovery process.3 steps
- Lock compromised financial accounts and cards
- Secure primary email and phone access
- Terminate unauthorized sessions and revoke app permissions
02Map the ExposureDetermine whether this is one compromised account or broader identity theft. The scope of the breach drives every decision that follows.3 steps
- Identify what information was compromised
- Determine the attack vector
- Trace downstream exposure
03Protect Credit and Recover AccountsFreeze credit, replace compromised cards, dispute fraudulent charges, and secure core financial accounts in the right order. Sequencing matters here because missteps can reopen exposure.3 steps
- Place credit freezes at all three bureaus
- Dispute fraudulent charges and accounts
- Replace compromised cards and credentials
04Document and ReportBuild a case log with reports, dates, and confirmation numbers that support every dispute and claim. Fraud recovery is a paper trail problem, and this guide keeps it organized.4 steps
- File an FTC Identity Theft Report
- File a police report
- Build and maintain a case log
- Send dispute letters to creditors and bureaus
05Clean Up Devices, Mail, and Identity SystemsClose the entry points that allowed the breach so the attacker cannot restart the cycle. This covers compromised devices, stolen mail, forwarded addresses, and phishing footholds.4 steps
- Scan and secure compromised devices
- Stop mail theft and address fraud
- Reclaim hijacked accounts and profiles
- Harden authentication across systems
06Protect Tax, Payroll, and DependentsExtend recovery beyond banking into tax filing, employment records, government benefits, and the identities of dependents. These systems are often the last to be checked and the hardest to fix after delay.4 steps
- Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN
- Check for fraudulent tax filings and wage reports
- Protect dependent identities
- Notify payroll and benefits departments
07Coordinate Supporters and Protect PrivacyLet helpers reduce burden without creating new exposure or taking over the process. This guide covers how to share access safely and preserve the victim's autonomy.3 steps
- Define what help is needed and from whom
- Share access safely
- Protect the person's autonomy and dignity
08Monitor and Rebuild TrustCreate a realistic follow-up rhythm for credit checks, alerts, new letters, and periodic account audits. The active phase ends, but the risk does not.4 steps
- Set up ongoing credit monitoring
- Build a periodic review routine
- Recognize and respond to re-victimization signals
- Rebuild digital trust gradually
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