I gave someone my Social Security number or bank details
It happens to careful people. Acting quickly can stop most of the damage.
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First, right now
Call your bank, then freeze your credit.
Your bank can block your accounts. A credit freeze stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name.- Bank or card details: call your bank now. Use the number on the back of your card. Ask them to block the card or account, watch for fraud, and send you a new card.
- Social Security number: freeze your credit. A credit freeze stops anyone from opening new credit in your name. It’s free, and you place it with each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can lift it anytime you need to apply for credit.
- Add a fraud alert. Contact any one of the three bureaus. They must tell the other two. Businesses will be asked to check with you before opening an account. It lasts one year and you can renew it for free.
- Report it at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC’s free site gives you a step-by-step recovery plan based on what was shared.
- If you shared a password, change it. Change it everywhere you used it, starting with your email, and turn on two-step verification.
- Watch your accounts. Check bank and card statements, and get your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts or charges you don’t recognize.
Don’t trust follow-up calls
Scammers often call back pretending to be your bank, the police or a “fraud department” offering help. Hang up and call the official number yourself.
Last checked November 11, 2026