If you’ve become a victim of identity theft, it’s critical to report the crime as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance of recovering from it.
The fastest growing financial crime in the United States, identity theft involves thieves stealing your personal information, such as your social security number or credit card number, and using it to get money or goods or services in your name. It’s a serious problem that can cause significant emotional and financial damage.
How do I report identity theft?
If your stolen personal information is affecting your credit, your bank accounts, or your driver’s license, you may be eligible for protection under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC will help you file an identity theft report and set up a recovery plan to stop the scammers and protect your personal information.
Once you’ve filed your identity theft report with the FTC, you will receive a copy of an identity theft affidavit. You’ll need this to start contacting creditors who may have opened fraudulent accounts in your name. The FTC also provides you with information about how to dispute the charges and reports that are coming into your file.
What should I bring with me when filing a police report?
When filling out a police report about identity theft, you should bring any paper credit cards or bank statements that were stolen. You should also bring any IRS notices or collection letters that were sent in your name, and any data breach notifications that you received. It’s also important to bring your computer and the passwords to your online accounts.
You should also bring any documents or receipts that you think show when and how the scammer made purchases. You should also print out any text messages or social media DMs that you’ve received in your name from the scammer, as these are often used to help criminals identify you.
The FTC and the police will be able to help you with these reports, but they’ll need proof that you have filed a police report and an FTC complaint before they can pursue the case in court. You’ll also need to provide them with any other evidence you have, such as receipts or invoices from companies that were impacted by the theft.
Where do I report identity theft in USA?
You can report identity theft to the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service by contacting their toll-free numbers below or visiting their websites. If you are a resident of another state, contact your local law enforcement agency to find out where to report.
If your identity was stolen by a scammer from another state or country, you can report it to the FTC as well. The FTC will help you submit your report, give you a copy of an identity theft affidavit, and provide you with a plan for how to recover from the crime. It’s a good idea to also contact your state’s attorney general to learn about the specific reporting process in that state.
