What Is IdentityTheft.gov Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives
FTC resource for identity theft recovery.
Editorially updated Oct 25, 2025
The overview
What IdentityTheft.gov is for
1Core Capabilitie
- Guided Identity Theft Reporting: Interactive questionnaire to document incident details, including type of theft, affected accounts, and personal information compromised
- Official FTC Identity Theft Report Generation: Produces a printable, official report recognized by businesses and law enforcement as proof of identity theft
- Personalized Recovery Plan Builder: Dynamically creates a step-by-step action plan based on reported theft details, outlining specific contacts and task
2Specialized Workflow
- Pre-filled Letter Templates: Provides customizable letters to send to credit bureaus, creditors, and debt collectors to dispute fraudulent accounts or charge
- Recovery Progress Tracker: Secure portal to log actions taken, track deadlines, and mark recovery steps as complete
- Fraud Alert and Credit Freeze Guidance: Directives and links for placing fraud alerts and security freezes with the three major credit reporting agencie
Who it helps
Useful ways to use IdentityTheft.gov
A practical path
Report the Identity Theft Incident
Navigate to in your web browser. Click "Get Started" and follow the prompts to answer a series of questions about the type of identity theft you experienced, what personal information was compromised, and which accounts are affected. This process documents the specifics of your situation
External signals
Reviews & reputation
Aggregated review score
Highly valued as an essential federal resource for identity theft victims, praised for its clear, step-by-step guidance and the utility of its official FTC report. Users appreciate the structured approach to a complex problem, though some note the inherent stress of the situation can make any process feel daunting.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
1Is the FTC Identity Theft Report generated by this site legally recognized?⌄
Yes, the FTC Identity Theft Report generated through IdentityTheft.gov is an official document recognized by businesses, including credit bureaus and creditors, as proof that you have reported identity theft to the federal government. It is crucial for disputing fraudulent accounts and charges.
2Do I need to create an account to use IdentityTheft.gov?⌄
While you can start the reporting process without an account, creating a secure account allows you to save your progress, access your personalized recovery plan at any time, track your completed steps, and retrieve your FTC Identity Theft Report and pre-filled letters. It's highly recommended for managing your recovery.
3What types of identity theft can I report using this service?⌄
IdentityTheft.gov supports reporting for a wide range of identity theft types, including credit card fraud, bank fraud, government benefits fraud, tax identity theft, medical identity theft, and more. The guided questionnaire adapts to the specifics of your situation to provide relevant recovery steps.
4Is my personal information secure when I use IdentityTheft.gov?⌄
IdentityTheft.gov is a secure federal government website. The FTC employs robust security measures to protect the personal information you provide. It uses encryption and other safeguards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your data during the reporting and recovery process.
5Can I get help if I'm stuck or have questions about my recovery plan?⌄
The website provides detailed instructions and resources within your personalized recovery plan. For additional assistance, you can contact the FTC's Identity Theft Helpline directly. The site also links to other government and non-profit resources for further support.
Keep exploring