IdentityTheft.gov serves as the Federal Trade Commission's primary online portal for individuals to report identity theft incidents and receive a personalized recovery plan. The site guides users through a structured questionnaire to document the specifics of the theft, then generates an official FTC Identity Theft Report and a tailored action plan detailing steps to take with credit bureaus, financial institutions, and other relevant entities to mitigate harm and restore their identity. This browser-first tool centralizes critical resources for victims navigating the complex process of identity restoration, emphasizing web discoverability for those seeking immediate assistance.
IdentityTheft.gov Website Full Guide (2026)
FTC resource for identity theft recovery.
Updated May 26, 2026

Introduction
Key Features
Core Capabilities
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
Additional Details
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
Use Cases
Initiating Identity Restoration
An individual discovers unauthorized activity on their accounts or learns their personal information has been compromised. They use to formally report the incident to the FTC, obtain an official report, and receive a clear, actionable plan to begin the process of disputing fraudulent charges, closing compromised accounts, and protecting their credit
Guiding Clients Through Recovery
A professional assisting a client who has experienced identity theft utilizes the platform to generate a comprehensive recovery plan. They leverage the site's structured guidance and pre-filled letter templates to ensure their client takes all necessary steps, such as contacting credit bureaus and creditors, efficiently and accurately, without missing critical deadline
Directing Victims to Federal Resource
A law enforcement officer encountering a victim of identity theft directs them to as the primary federal resource for reporting and recovery. The officer can confidently advise victims that the site provides a recognized official report and a tailored action plan, streamlining the initial steps of their recovery proce
How to Use IdentityTheft.gov
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
IdentityTheft.gov Alternatives
FTC.gov
US Federal Trade Commission, consumer protection.
CFPB.gov
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
FDA Consumer Information
Food & Drug Administration consumer info.
CPSC.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission (recalls).
About IdentityTheft.gov
Useful Links
1 totalVideo Mentions
IdentityTheft.gov Status
Service is operational


