Should I file a police report?
Filing an identity theft police report is one of the first steps you should take. You will need this report to validate and document that you are a victim of identity theft. Many of the fraud departments that you will be in contact with will ask for you to send a copy of this report to them.
With a Police Report you are entitled to:
A 7-year Fraud Alert
A Credit Freeze in states that have passed that legislation
Have inaccurate or fraudulent information blocked from your credit report
Receive a copy of all application and transaction records on accounts opened fraudulently in your name (FCRA 609e)
Your identity resides with you therefore you file a police report in the city/state where you live. Even if the crime was committed in other cities/states and there are multiple jurisdictions you will want to file a police report where you live. Often this type of report is called an initial incident report.
If the crime was committed in another jurisdiction you can request your local law enforcement to forward your police report to that jurisdiction for investigation.
You will need to obtain a copy of your police report. It may take up to 10 to 14 business days before you are able to order your report.
An incident report number will not suffice you will need a physical copy of the report.
You will want to make copies of this report to send to the different companies and agencies to clear your name. You can keep your original copy for your records.
You can amend your police report to reflect any new information you obtained related to your case.
Related Fact Sheets:
Fact Sheet 301 - Enhancing Law Enforcement- Id Theft Victim Communications
Fact Sheet 112 - Enhancing ID Theft Victim - Investigator Communications