Rental scams
I sent my ID or Social Security number to a scammer. What should I do?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Freeze your credit with all three major bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's free and stops most new accounts being opened in your name. Then report the identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov, which gives you a recovery plan, and keep watching your accounts and credit reports for anything you don't recognize.
- Place a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion online or by phone. You can lift it temporarily when you need to apply for something.
- Report at IdentityTheft.gov to create an official report and a personal recovery plan.
- If you sent a photo of a driver's license or passport, contact the agency that issued it and ask what they recommend.
- Check your free credit reports regularly for accounts or inquiries you didn't make.
- If you shared bank details, tell your bank and ask about monitoring or closing the account.
If your SSN was exposed, consider getting an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. It helps stop someone else from filing a tax return with your number.
Watch for follow-up scams. People whose details have been stolen are often contacted by a fake "fraud department" asking them to confirm their information. Hang up and call the number on your card or statement instead.
Want the whole picture? Read How To Avoid Housing Scams.