How to report identity theft

9 steps to reporting identity theft

Dealing with identity theft is stressful, but if you handle the issue promptly — and thoroughly — you can avoid the worst of it.

1. Stay calm and act quickly

If you’ve found out your identity has been stolen, it’s normal to feel angry, frustrated and afraid. Still, it’s best to try to stay calm. Acting promptly can help to minimize financial losses, prevent further unauthorized access and increase the chances of resolving the issue successfully.

» MORE: How to check for identity theft

2. Gather documentation

Collect any evidence or paperwork associated with the identity theft. This could include:

• Bank statements
• Credit card bills
• Unauthorized transaction records
• Emails
• Any other relevant communications

Create an inventory of any unauthorized financial transactions, fraudulent accounts or other suspicious activities. Make sure to include specific details (e.g., dates, dollar amounts, account numbers, other important information).

3. File a police report

Filing a police report is a critical step in addressing identity theft. It establishes an official record of the crime, which can be helpful in resolving related issues.

To file a police report, contact local law enforcement (or the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the identity theft occurred). Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the incident, including:

• Details about the fraudulent transactions, suspicious activity, date and time of the theft and the type of information stolen
• Any evidence or supporting documents you may have, such as copies of fraudulent credit card statements or unauthorized account openings

After filing the report, request a copy. This will be important in resolving issues with financial institutions, credit bureaus and other organizations.

4. Notify financial institutions

In the case of identity theft, let your financial institutions know about the issue ASAP; this is essential to protecting your accounts and mitigating further damage.

The basics:

• Immediately notify your bank and credit card issuers.
• Ask your financial institutions to freeze or monitor your accounts.
• Consider closing compromised accounts.
• Request that any accounts opened in your name be closed immediately.

5. Contact credit bureaus

Contacting the major credit reporting agencies is crucial to protect your credit and prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name. Here are the steps you should take:

• Contact the three major credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
• Inform them about the identity theft and request to place fraud alerts or credit freezes on your credit reports.
• Follow the instructions of each credit bureau on submitting documentation and additional steps required to protect your credit.
• Request copies of your credit reports from each bureau.
• Review them thoroughly to identify any unauthorized activity or accounts that have been opened fraudulently.

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6. Report to government agencies

Reporting identity theft to relevant government agencies ensures appropriate action is taken to investigate and prevent further theft. These agencies can also provide additional support.

You can visit the FTC's website or call the Identity Theft Hotline at 877-FTC-HELP (877-438-4338). The FTC's website, IdentityTheft.gov, offers step-by-step guidance on recovering from identity theft. It can provide tools, resources and personalized recovery plans based on your situation.

If your Social Security number has been compromised, you should also inform the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA can help monitor your Social Security earnings and benefits for suspicious activity. It can also provide a new Social Security number if necessary.

If you suspect tax-related identity theft, you should report it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which can guide you through the necessary steps to secure your tax records and prevent fraudulent tax filings.

7. Maintain detailed records

It’s crucial to maintain comprehensive records of your communication and actions taken to effectively manage identity theft.

Some guidelines:

• Keep track of all interactions related to the identity theft report, noting dates, names of individuals you spoke to and conversation summaries. This log will assist you in monitoring your progress and serve as a reference for future discussions.
• Record all steps you take to resolve the issue. This includes filing reports and contacting financial institutions and government agencies. By documenting these actions, you can demonstrate your efforts to rectify the situation.
• Make copies of any letters, emails or other correspondences you send or receive regarding the identity theft case. These documents will serve as evidence throughout the resolution process.

8. Follow up with the authorities

For you to ensure a successful resolution to your identity theft case, it’s important to stay connected with the authorities and organizations involved. Maintain regular communication and cooperation with law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, credit bureaus and government agencies.

If there are ongoing investigations related to your case, try your best to cooperate with the authorities. Provide any requested information, documentation or testimony to support their efforts in apprehending the identity thief.

Remain vigilant in monitoring your bank statements, credit card bills and credit reports to identify any signs of unauthorized activity. If you notice any suspicious transactions, report them immediately.

9. Seek legal advice if needed

If you’ve been the victim of identity theft, you may need to seek legal advice. This is especially true if the case is complex or unresolved.

An attorney who specializes in identity theft or consumer protection law can provide personalized advice and assistance based on your situation. They can discuss legal options with you, such as filing a lawsuit against the identity thief or pursuing claims for any losses you may have incurred, and they can guide you through the legal process and help you understand the potential outcomes.

How to avoid identity theft

It’s crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard against future incidents of identity theft: Enhance your online security, protect personal information, and stay informed about identity theft trends.

» LEARN: How to prevent identity theft

Enhance online security

Change all your account passwords to strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords, enable two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security, and only share sensitive information with trusted sources when absolutely necessary. Exercise caution when sharing personal details on social media platforms.

Keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches to defend against potential vulnerabilities. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks (consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security), and explore identity theft protection services that offer monitoring and assistance.

Protect personal information

Check your bank statements, credit card bills and financial accounts frequently to identify any unauthorized transactions. Monitor your credit reports from major credit bureaus to detect unfamiliar accounts or suspicious activity — credit monitoring services are available for added protection.

Protect your physical mail by using a locked mailbox or a P.O. box, and properly dispose of documents containing personal information to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Limit sharing your Social Security number and avoid carrying your Social Security card unnecessarily. Regularly review your Social Security earnings and benefits statements for any signs of suspicious activity.

Keep up with cybercriminal and identity theft trends

Try to stay up to date on the latest identity theft techniques and scams. Familiarize yourself with best practices for protecting your personal information, and shift your tactics as cybercriminal approaches evolve.

» THE DATA: Identity theft statistics