Identity Theft After a Scam
If you shared ID or personal data, act to prevent and limit identity theft.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
First 10 minutes
- List what personal data or documents you shared
- Secure your email and key accounts first
First 24 hours
- Contact credit reference agencies about a fraud alert or freeze
- Tell your bank and relevant providers your data may be compromised
- Report identity theft to the appropriate national service
- Replace compromised documents (ID, cards) through official channels
Contact your bank or payment provider
- Ask your bank to add extra verification and monitoring
- Watch for new accounts or credit opened in your name
Evidence to preserve
- Record what was shared, with whom, and when
- Keep copies of any fraudulent activity you spot
Secure your accounts and devices
- Reset passwords and enable 2FA everywhere
- Check for unfamiliar logins, devices, and forwarding rules in email
Report it
- Report to your national identity-theft / fraud service
- Notify credit reference agencies
- Report to providers of any misused accounts
If a scam involved sharing identity documents or personal details, treat the data as potentially compromised. Identity thieves can open accounts, take loans, or impersonate you, sometimes months later.
Get ahead of it: secure your accounts (email first), set up fraud alerts or freezes with credit agencies, replace compromised documents, and monitor your credit and statements. Quick action limits the damage and creates a record if misuse occurs.
Frequently asked questions
I shared a photo of my ID — what should I do?
Assume it may be misused. Set up fraud alerts/freezes with credit agencies, monitor for accounts opened in your name, consider replacing the document, and report to your national identity-theft service.