1 in 4 Americans are hit by identity theft every year. These 30 steps stop most of it before it starts.
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The Complete 30-Step Identity Lockdown Checklist

Every step you need to freeze your credit, lock your government accounts, secure your phone number, and protect your home. All in one printable list.

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1

Credit bureau freezes

6 steps
  1. Freeze your Equifax credit file
  2. Freeze your TransUnion credit file
  3. Freeze your Experian credit file
  4. Freeze your Innovis credit file
  5. Register your county property alert
  6. Set up free carrier PIN on your phone
2

Government & financial account locks

5 steps
  1. Freeze your ChexSystems banking report
  2. Lock your Social Security account
  3. Get your IRS Identity Protection PIN
  4. Enable Number Lock or Port Freeze on your carrier
  5. Migrate top accounts off SMS two-factor authentication
3

Advanced identity protection

6 steps
  1. Set up USPS Informed Delivery mail monitoring
  2. Freeze NCTUE utility credit file
  3. Opt out of MIB Group medical records
  4. Submit LexisNexis data opt-out request
  5. Set up Google Voice backup number
  6. Set up dark web monitoring
4

Home title & deed fraud protection

5 steps
  1. Pull and verify your current deed
  2. File a homestead declaration (if your state qualifies)
  3. Review your title insurance coverage
  4. Set a Google Alert for your property address
  5. Flag vacant or rental properties
5

SIM swap & phone number protection

1 step
  1. Request carrier fraud sensitivity flag
6

Annual reviews & recovery preparation

7 steps
  1. Pull your free annual credit reports
  2. Renew your IRS Identity Protection PIN
  3. Review your Social Security earnings record
  4. Audit accounts still using SMS two-factor auth
  5. Save all freeze PINs and confirmation numbers
  6. Know the fraud reporting contacts
  7. Share this checklist with family members
Optional

Want help working through the list?

The Identity Vault platform walks you through every step with the official links, exact navigation paths, and a private vault that lives only on your device.

See the platform →