# Identity Theft: Loans Opened in Your Name
A criminal can open loans and credit accounts using your personal information without your knowledge or permission. This form of identity theft damages your credit score, creates legal obligations you never agreed to, and drains your financial resources.
**Spot the problem early.** Check your credit reports at all three bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can pull free reports annually at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you don't recognize, inquiries from lenders you never contacted, and loans listed under your name. Monitor your credit score regularly through your bank's free service or a dedicated platform. Many banks and card issuers now offer free credit monitoring.
**Act fast once you discover fraud.** Contact the lender immediately and report that you never authorized the loan. Request documentation showing the application. Most legitimate lenders will have signed paperwork, which will show fraudulent signatures or contact information that isn't yours. Place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus. An initial alert lasts one year and prevents creditors from opening new accounts without verifying your identity. Extended fraud alerts remain active for seven years.
**File a report with the FTC.** Go to IdentityTheft.gov and create a recovery plan. The FTC provides personalized steps and generates a recovery plan you can share with creditors and law enforcement. File a police report in your jurisdiction. Some lenders require this documentation before removing fraudulent accounts from your credit file.
**Dispute the fraudulent debt.** Send written disputes to each credit bureau listing the fraudulent loan. Include copies of your identity theft report and police report. Bureaus must investigate and remove unverified accounts within 30 days. Follow up in writing if the fraud remains on your report after the investigation period ends.
**Monitor your accounts closely.** Continue