When a message or transaction raises concern, take a moment to verify it independently. Use this guide to organize next steps and open the linked official guidance.
Work through it.
- 01
Write down the accounts, charges or notices you do not recognize, with dates and the organizations involved. Preserve copies without sending sensitive records to strangers.
- 02
Contact affected companies through verified channels to secure accounts, dispute unauthorized activity and ask what documentation they need. Keep a record of conversations.
- 03
Use IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and obtain a recovery plan tailored to the situation. Follow its current instructions for reports, letters and follow-up.
- 04
Review FTC guidance on credit freezes and fraud alerts. Decide whether either measure fits your circumstances and contact the appropriate credit bureaus through official channels.
The right response depends on what information or money was involved. This guide is general education, not financial or legal advice, and NOVANESTFS does not investigate cases or recover funds.
Source desk.
Review the current guidance and contact the relevant organization through a verified channel.