Someone used my identity in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX: what are the first steps?

If someone used your identity, act soon. IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government's site for reporting identity theft and getting a recovery plan [1]. Start there.

1. Report what happened on IdentityTheft.gov. It asks you questions and gives you a personal recovery plan with steps to follow [1]. 2. Contact the companies where the fraud happened. This could be a bank, a card company or a store where someone opened an account or made charges in your name. Ask them to close or freeze those accounts. Your recovery plan explains how [1]. 3. Place a fraud alert or a credit freeze. Both make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. IdentityTheft.gov explains the difference and how to do each one [1]. 4. Check your credit reports. Look for accounts, loans or activity you do not recognise. IdentityTheft.gov explains how to get your reports [1].

Keep notes of everyone you contact. Save copies of letters and emails.

Because you live in Texas, you can also use the consumer protection pages of the Office of the Texas Attorney General. They cover identity theft and give information for Texas residents [2]. Check there for state-specific details.

Sources [1] IdentityTheft.gov (FTC): https://www.identitytheft.gov/ [2] Office of the Texas Attorney General (consumer protection): https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/