Preventing identity theft after losing documents

Identity Theft Risk Assessment

Losing identity documents creates immediate vulnerability to identity theft. The faster you act, the better protected you'll be.

Critical Timeline: Take protective action within 24-48 hours for maximum security

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

By Document Type

📘 Passport

•Report to Passport Office: 01 671 1633
•Report to Gardaí immediately
•Cancel travel plans if necessary

🆔 Driving Licence

•Report to NDLS: 0818 700 800
•Apply for replacement online
•Temporary driving ban may apply

💳 PPS Card

•Call MyWelfare: 0818 662 200
•Report online at MyWelfare.ie
•Monitor social welfare payments

Financial Protection

🏦 Bank Accounts

•Alert all banks immediately
•Request account monitoring
•Consider temporary freezes

💳 Credit Cards

•Cancel cards immediately
•Request expedited replacements
•Review recent transactions

📊 Credit Report

•Contact Irish Credit Bureau
•Place fraud alert
•Request free credit report

Medium-Term Actions (2-7 Days)

Document Replacement

Birth Certificate

Civil Registration Service

0818 009 000

Marriage Certificate

General Register Office

090 663 2900

EHIC Card

HSE Online

1890 928 928

Security Monitoring

Set up account alerts
Enable 2FA everywhere
Update passwords
Monitor credit reports
Check social media security

Legal Protections

File Garda report
Keep report numbers
Contact insurance
Document all steps
Get legal advice if needed

Critical Contact Numbers

Government Services

Passport Office:

01 671 1633

NDLS (Driving):

0818 700 800

MyWelfare (PPS):

0818 662 200

Revenue:

01 738 3684

Major Banks

AIB:

0818 724 724

Bank of Ireland:

0818 365 365

Ulster Bank:

0818 210 260

Permanent TSB:

0818 50 24 24

Credit & Monitoring

Irish Credit Bureau:

01 260 0388

Central Credit Register:

076 680 5050

An Garda Síochána:

01 666 0000

Citizens Information:

0818 07 4000

Emergency & Support

Emergency Services:

999 / 112

Garda Non-Emergency:

01 666 0000

Victim Support:

116 006

Legal Aid Board:

066 947 1000

Health Services

HSE InfoLine:

1850 24 1850

EHIC Replacement:

1890 928 928

Medical Card Unit:

1890 252 919

Transport & Travel

Dublin Airport:

01 814 1111

Cork Airport:

021 431 3131

Irish Ferries:

0818 300 400

Irish Rail:

01 836 6222

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

Financial Red Flags

Unexpected bank account activity
New credit cards or loans you didn't apply for
Bills for services you don't use
Credit score drops unexpectedly
Denied credit applications
Missing financial statements

Official/Legal Red Flags

Revenue notices for unknown income
Social welfare issues or unexpected changes
Medical claims you didn't make
Garda contact about your documents
Employer reports issues with PPS number
Problems renewing documents

Long-Term Protection Strategy

Ongoing Monitoring

Check credit reports quarterly
Monitor bank statements weekly
Set up account alerts
Review Revenue correspondence
Keep contact details updated

Document Security

Store originals securely
Make digital copies
Use encrypted storage
Regular backup verification
Limit copies you carry

Digital Security

Use password managers
Enable 2FA everywhere
Secure email accounts
Regular security updates
Be cautious with public WiFi

Critical Reminders

Time is critical: Act within 24-48 hours for maximum protection
Keep records: Document every call, reference number, and action taken
Follow up: Check that protective measures are actually in place
Stay vigilant: Identity theft can happen months after document loss

Don't panic: Systematic action is more effective than rushing
Get help: Citizens Information and legal aid are available
Learn and adapt: Use this experience to improve future security
Share knowledge: Help others understand identity theft risks