Identity theft helpline:
Get help by phone

Call if someone claiming to be from your bank asks for your Social Security number, you learn that a password was exposed in a data breach, or you find an unfamiliar account on your credit report.

An agent can suggest precautions for you to take before you lose money. If you've already suffered a financial loss, they can explain how to report the fraud and when to contact credit bureaus or local authorities. They can also help you take steps to recover stolen funds. If the money can't be recovered, the HSB may refer eligible cases for further support. Non-customers can also receive one free incident consultation without purchasing a Coveron plan.

If you're considering Coveron, an agent can explain what benefits the service provides and which plans are available. They'll walk you through what's included in each plan, including how services such as monitoring for leaked personal information and assistance after identity theft work.

You can also ask about pricing and the differences between plans before making a decision. If you choose to subscribe, the agent can guide you through checkout and answer purchase questions through the first follow-up email after buying. They'll explain your options without recommending a particular plan.

The first step is to protect any accounts that may be at risk. An agent may suggest changing passwords or contacting a company whose account may have been affected. They can also explain how to check your credit report for accounts you didn't open. This step may reveal misuse of a stolen Social Security number, although not every type of fraud will appear on a credit report.

The agent may also recommend placing a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus, which must then notify the other two. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone else to open credit in your name while you check whether your information has been misused.

Start by contacting your bank or credit card issuer's fraud department to report the unauthorized transaction. An agent can help you understand what information the bank may need and what to do if someone has also used your identity to open an account or apply for credit.

You may also need to report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC provides an identity theft report and a recovery plan you can use when dealing with creditors and credit reporting agencies.

Depending on the case, the agent may help you work with local law enforcement or credit bureaus. They can also guide you through steps to recover stolen funds, although recovery isn't guaranteed.

If stolen funds can't be recovered and you are a Coveron customer, your case may be referred to HSB, Coveron's insurance partner, when appropriate.

Any insurance benefits depend on the terms and eligibility requirements of your Coveron plan. A referral doesn't guarantee reimbursement, and the free incident consultation for non-customers doesn't include insurance coverage.