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Guides
Step-by-step plans for what to do after a scam, a hacked account, identity theft or an exposure of your personal information.
- Choose a GuidePick the one that fits what happened.
- Answer a few questionsOnly what's needed to choose your steps.
- Follow your planSteps in order, with links to the official places to go. Some steps Defend can help with.
Your answers stay in this browser tab. They aren't saved, and they aren't sent to Defend. Each Guide is based on official sources, such as government agencies and the companies involved, and shows when they were last checked.
All Guides, A–Z
Hacked Accounts
Disconnect Unused Apps
Remove apps and websites you no longer use from your Google, Apple, and Microsoft accounts. This Guide shows where to see what's connected to each account and how to remove access you don't need.
Sources last checked October 24, 2026
Credit & Debt
Freeze My Credit
A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open new credit accounts in your name. This Guide shows how to place a free freeze with each of the three credit bureaus, for yourself or a child under 16.
Sources last checked October 5, 2026
Social Security & Taxes
Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN
An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that helps stop someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or ITIN. This Guide shows how to get one, including for a dependent, and how to use it each year.
Sources last checked October 8, 2026
Scams & Fraud
I Sent Money to a Scammer — What Do I Do Now?
If you paid someone who turned out to be a scammer, this Guide shows who to contact first for the way you paid, how to protect your accounts, and where to report the scam.
Sources last checked August 21, 2026
Hacked Accounts
My Email Account Was Hacked
If someone got into your email account, this Guide shows how to get back in, lock them out and protect the accounts linked to your email.
Sources last checked August 21, 2026
Identity Theft
My Identity Was Stolen — What Do I Do First?
If someone is using your personal information, this Guide puts the first steps in order: contact the companies involved, report the theft, and protect your credit.
Sources last checked August 21, 2026
Hacked Accounts
Protect Your Phone Number
Make it harder for someone to move your phone number to their own phone or carrier. This Guide shows how to add a PIN or password to your phone account, turn on your carrier's protections, and spot the warning signs.
Sources last checked October 24, 2026
Data Breaches & Privacy
Remove Unwanted App Permissions
Check which apps on your phone can use your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and photos, and turn off access they don't need. This Guide shows the settings on an iPhone and an Android phone.
Sources last checked October 24, 2026
Hacked Accounts
Secure Your Accounts
Make sure only you can get into your email and other important accounts. This Guide shows how to turn on two-step sign-in, check your recovery details, remove sign-ins and apps you don't recognize, and keep strong passwords.
Sources last checked October 8, 2026
Social Security & Taxes
Someone Filed a Tax Return Using My Identity
If someone used your Social Security number to file a tax return, this Guide shows how to respond to the IRS, report it, and protect your future returns.
Sources last checked October 5, 2026
Scams & Fraud
Stop Unwanted Calls & Texts
Cut down on spam and scam calls and texts. This Guide shows how to screen calls and filter texts from unknown numbers on your phone, use your carrier's blocking tools, report spam texts, and add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry.
Sources last checked October 24, 2026
Data Breaches & Privacy
Turn Off Unnecessary Data Sharing
Share less about yourself for advertising. This Guide shows how to turn off personalized ads in your Google Account and on your iPhone, stop apps from asking to track you, and delete your Android advertising ID.
Sources last checked October 24, 2026