Where to Report Identity Theft

If you are a victim of identity theft, it is vital that you report it immediately. The entire process can drain you both physically and emotionally but it is necessary so that action can be taken from law enforcement. You will need to report identity theft to federal agencies as well so that they can start an investigation. Of course you need to have the right information on who to call in your time of need. Acting quickly can help reduce the impact when all is said and done.

Before you report identity theft,  it is important that you have some evidence that your identity has been compromised. You will need to gather as much documentation as you can and provide copies of it when you file your reports. If you have any idea how your identity was stolen you need to provide documentation of that information as well. All of this information will help law enforcement build a case. Some examples of the documentation you can bring include bank statements, credit reports, and credit card statements. Report identity theft as thoroughly as you possibly can.

Keep an Eye on your Personal Information

Make sure you file your report with the proper law enforcement in your jurisdiction. They can assist you with deciding if local, state, and federal regulations have been violated. Identity theft is classified as a federal offense under the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission. The United States Postal Service has their own division to investigate offenses that involve dealings through the mail. Postal Inspectors are actually Federal law enforcement agents.

You can also seek the assistance of the Social Security Administration Office in your area. They are able to handle issues that concern violations of Social Security funds. If you have either lost your social security number or believe it has been stolen, contact them immediately. You can contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center to file a complaint if you think phishing schemes are being sent your way. It is very important that you report identity theft so that you can work to clear your name from the fraudulent activities.

One way you can protect your identity is  -

In The News...

News-Democrat - A day after a stolen identity scheme was publicly announced, the governor's and attorney general's offices exchanged blame about an attempt to arrest a former state employee at a state office. A federal indictment handed down May 31 - but not ...

Patriot Ledger - District Court in Boston charged Johnson with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. It specified that the offenses occurred in Plymouth County and elsewhere in the state. Some of the counterfeit checks were cashed in Stop & Shop supermarkets ...

TMCnet - As credit card fraud has become one of the most common forms of identity theft today, there's no wonder a number of consumers are demanding enhanced security and increased paying options. In the restaurant business, where credit cards are regularly ...

South Coast Today - GREENBELT, Md. — A Massachusetts woman dubbed the "Wig Lady" because she donned disguises while swindling bank customers pleaded guilty Thursday to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in U.S. District Court. Carol Silva, 55, of Westbury, Mass ...

Ledger - KISSIMMEE - Good Samaritan Village has kicked off its inaugural series of education programs for seniors with a seminar on identity theft and fraud - two crimes that often target the elderly. "Older people are very trusting," Carlos Morales, guest ...