The Department of Justice defines identity theft as the attempted unauthorized use of credit cards, bank accounts and other types of accounts, as well as the attempted opening of new accounts using personal information that is not their own. Victims may be aware, such as when our wallet or credit cards are stolen, or unaware, such as when our social security number is stolen to open a line of credit Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the local police department.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Complete the Theft Affidavit
Step 1. Explain how the identity theft happened by writing a detailed statement
The FTC provides an online form on ftc.gov to help you include all the information you need on this form.
- Enter all the required data in the affidavit form. Your case can be treated more carefully if you provide specific details.
- Please review all the information you entered and press the "Submit" button.
- Make a note of the reference number that is provided to you. You will need it in case you want to make changes or updates to your affidavit or contact someone from the FTC regarding the theft of your identity.
Step 2. Print a copy of the form after submitting it to the FTC
Once the form is sent, you will see a screen that gives you the option to print the form. You can also save it to your computer for future reference.
Step 3. If you are unable to fill out or submit the affidavit via the site, call the FTC and speak to an employee at 1-877-438-4338
Ask the operator for your reference number. The person you are talking to will register and send the affidavit from you and you can also ask to have a copy sent to you via email
Method 2 of 3: Make a complaint
Step 1. Get all the documentation you need to make a police report
The documentation includes a copy of the affidavit you just filled out and other evidence in your favor.
- Bring a valid ID and a certificate of residence with you.
- Bring the FTC Memo to Law Enforcement with you. This is an FTC's guide to reporting identity theft. You can find it at ftc.gov
Step 2. Go to your local police department or police department serving the area where the identity theft occurred
Step 3. Complete a report with all the details of the identity theft
Each state has different rules and you may need to make a miscellaneous incident report if your police station does not accept specific reports for this type of crime.
Step 4. Ask for a copy of the report
If you can't get a copy right away, ask for the report number so you can come back for it when ready.
Method 3 of 3: Report the Theft to Banks and Financial Institutions
Step 1. Contact all credit card companies, banks, credit bureaus and all your other financial institutions
They may ask you for a copy of your theft affidavit or your complaint number.
Step 2. Change your PINs, security passwords, and any other codes or references that could be used by the attacker
Step 3. Check your bank statement and make sure there are no open companies or accounts that you don't recognize
If there are, contact them and provide the documentation required to remove the account.
Advice
- Check your bank statements regularly. There are security services you can use to get any activity reported on your statement.
- Document everything. It may take some time to retrieve your documents and make sure no one is using them. You will need to make several phone calls and send emails and letters. Keep track of who you talk to and write down dates, instructions and advice.
