Report identity theft
If you suspect that someone has stolen your personal information, it's very important to act as quickly as possible to minimize potential harm to your financial reputation.
Here's what we suggest:
1. Change your passwords and review accounts
Change your passwords, PINs, and security questions.
Change the passwords on all your online accounts immediately. This includes email accounts, because fraudsters can use these to gain access to other online accounts.
Review your account information.
Make sure that your contact information is up-to-date on all your online accounts. Make sure no unknown phone numbers or email addresses have been added to your accounts. Fraudsters will often use these to get back into the account after the account’s password is changed.
Review your recent account activity.
Check all your online accounts – including your email accounts. Look for anything suspicious, because this can help identify how long ago you may have been compromised and will prepare you for conversations with your financial institutions and law enforcement if needed.
2. Contact PayPal and your financial institutions immediately
Call PayPal.
We're here to help you day and night. So if you suspect your account has been compromised, contact us immediately.
Call your banks and credit card companies.
Ask for the fraud departments, explain what’s happened, and ask what they can do to help.
3. Report it to law enforcement
4. Never let your guard down
Prevent a repeat offense. Identity theft can strike twice. Once personal security has been breached, thieves may have access to more information than you originally notice. Be even more vigilant about regularly updating passwords, keeping contact information current and accurate, checking account activity, and making sure nothing seems suspicious.
Be more careful than before. It's critical that you check your account activity and balances regularly after any incident. Victims are much more likely to be struck again. Use unique, strong passwords for each site and review the security of your PC and mobile devices.
Read our tips on protecting your information, password, and system security.