Identity Theft
If someone steals and uses your personal information, take these three steps as soon as possible:
1. Place a fraud alert with the credit reporting companies.
2. Get your free credit reports.
3. Create an Identity Theft Report by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department.
Then, you can begin to repair the damage. The resources on this page will help guide you through the process.
What to Do Right Away
Immediate Steps to Repair Identity Theft
Here’s how to begin to limit the harm from identity theft.
What to Do Next
Extended Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes
Placing both extended fraud alerts and credit freezes on your credit reports can make it more difficult for an identity thief to open new accounts in your name.
Repairing Your Credit After Identity Theft
Here are step-by-step instructions for disputing fraudulent charges and accounts related to identity theft.
Lost or Stolen Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards
Federal law limits your liability if your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, but your liability may depend on how quickly you report the loss or theft.
Specific Types of Identity Theft
Do you know the warning signs that an identity thief is using your Social Security number?
Here’s how to protect your child’s personal information against theft.
Medical Identity Theft
An identity thief can use your personal information to get medical care or services. Find out how to respond.
Protecting Your Identity
If identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. Here’s how to act quickly to limit the damage.
How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure
Safeguard your personal information, whether it is on paper, online, or on your computers and mobile devices.
Sample Letters and Forms
Sample Letters and Forms for Victims of Identity Theft
Use these samples to help write your own letters to limit damage caused by identity theft.
Podcasts
- 2/6/2023 – (1) Conquering Your Diabetes. (2) Your Story. Your Wellness.
- 1/30/2023 – (1) A Story; From Tragedy to Triumph, (2) Avoiding Social Security Scams.
- 1/23/2023 – (1) An Age-Friendlier Maryland, (2) Budgets, Stories & Grants.
- 1/16/2023 – (1) Promoting Whole-Person Health, (2) Older Feet Need Special Care.
- 1/9/2023 – (1) Helping Seniors Develop Digital Skills, (2) Confronting Our Aging Beliefs.
- 1/2/2023 – (1) Addressing Senior Food Insecurity in the District of Columbia, (2) Vision Care is Self-Care.
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- 12/19/2022 – (1) Holiday Health Tips & Beyond, (2) Tis’ The Season 2022; For The Old School Senior.
- 12/12/2022 – (1) Xfinity Mobile benefits for Seniors, (2) Tis’ The Season 2022; Uninterrupted Christmas Carols.
- 12/5/2022 – (1) Common Disabilities As We Age, (2) Uninterrupted Christmas Carols 2022.
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- 11/7/2022 – (1) Working After 65?, (2) Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body.
- 10/31/2022 – (1) Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities, (2) Understanding Prostate Cancer.
- 10/24/2022 – (1) Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids, (2) 2022 Power of Aging Expo.
- 10/17/2022 – (1) Learning the Basics of Medicare, (2) COVID-19 BOOSTER Shots.
- 10/10/2022 – (1) Tech Classes for Seniors, (2) Small Acts. Save Lives.
- 10/3/2022 – (1) A District of Columbia Quarterly Senior Address in 2022, (2) Investment Protections for the 50 & Better.
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- 9/19/2022 – (1) Social Isolation; Effects & Impact, (2) Celebrating Seniors Centers.
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- 9/5/2022 – (1) Nurturing the 50+ Community, (2) Updates from the 2022 ALZ Conference.
- 8/29/2022 – (1) Probate; Pro’s & Con’s, (2) Pickleball; The Perfect Sport for Seniors.
- 8/22/2022 – (1) Teeth, Gums & Seniors, (2) Are Your Final Affairs in Order.
- 8/8/2022 – (1) Accelerating Digital Skills for Seniors, (2) Alzheimer’s Disease & Facts.
- 8/1/2022 – (1) Seniors & Dating, (2) Ensuring Equitable Aging.
- 7/25/2022 – (1) FREE Legal Assistance for Seniors, (2) Building Better Futures for Seniors.
- 7/18/2022 – (1) Coping When Grief Comes Knocking, (2) Introducing Ms Senior DC 2022.
- 7/11/2022 – (1) Lowering Internet Costs, (2) A Quarterly Update from AARP DC.
- 7/4/2022 – (1) 3rd QTR Senior Address FY 2022, (2) Online Platform for Seniors.
- 6/27/2022 – (1) Food Insecurity Among DC Seniors, (2) The Future of Social Security.
- 6/20/2022 – (1) Adding Color to Our Food, (2) “Aging” Affects More Than Just One Person.
- 6/13/2022 – Protecting Maryland Senior’s from Financial Exploitation
- 6/6/2022 – (1) Combatting Fraud Against Older Adults, (2) Saving Seniors $$$ on Mobile Service.
- 5/30/2022 – (1) Helping Seniors Avoid Foreclosure, (2) Protecting Seniors from Abuse, Neglect & Financial Exploitation
- 5/23/2022 – (1) Celebrating Older American’s Month, (2) Protecting Seniors from Scams & Fraud
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- 5/9/2022 – (1) “Saving Seniors $$$ on Internet & Mobile Services, (2) “Senior Dating; Challenges & Insecurities
- 5/2/2022 – (1) Be Extraordinary: 10 Ways To Become Your Hero, (2) Rising From Rubble to Champagne.
- 4/25/2022 – (1) Rent Exemptions for Seniors, (2) Navigating the ICU
- 4/18/2022 – (1) Ways to Save Money on Prescriptions, (2) Avoiding Scams & Fraud in 2022
- 4/11/2022 – (1) Helping Low-Income Seniors Save on Internet Services, (2) DC Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Priorities & Seniors.
- 4/4/2022 – (1) District of Columbia 2nd QTR Senior Address, (2) Overcoming Overeating Joyfully
- 3/28/2022 – (1) Money Saving Tips for Seniors, (2) New Rules for Old(er) Age
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- 2/28/2022 – (1) Solving Problems with Neighbors, (2) Live Virtual Travel for Seniors
- 2/21/2022 – (1)Reclaiming Your Rhythm; Rebuilding Healthy Heart Habits, (2) Finances & Finals Affairs
- 2/14/2022 – (1) End-of-Life Options & Care, (2) Aging & Technology.
- 2/7/2022 – (1) Paying for Long-Term Care, (2) Reframe Our Attitudes on Aging