Recovering from an identity crime can be a time-consuming and exhausting process. Keeping track of all the steps you have taken, documents you have received, people you have spoken with to assist you with your recovery, any costs you have incurred, etc. can help the process go smoother. Generally, when proving to an account holder that you are the victim of an identity crime, the more “proof” you have, the easier it will be to dispute fraudulent activity and accounts.
Law Enforcement Report(s)
Most entities will require you to have a report from law enforcement stating you are the victim of identity theft. There are two types of law enforcement reports available:
- A police report. Contact your local police or sheriff’s department to report that you are the victim of identity theft. Include as many details as you can, including any relevant documentation you have showing you are a victim. Depending on the location, you may be able to file online.
- An Identity Theft Report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC’s website will walk you through the process of entering the details of the identity crime, which you will sign electronically, under penalty of perjury.
Documents
Providing evidence of an identity crime and proof that you should not be responsible for fraudulent activity using your personal information can be challenging. The following documents may be helpful:
- A credit report showing fraudulently opened accounts.
- A background check showing criminal activity in your name.
- Account statements, explanations of benefits, etc., showing fraudulent activity.
- An email demonstrating fraudulent activity or an email from the thief (if you have it) admitting to misusing your personal information.
- Letters from account issuers indicating fraudulent activity.
- Applications to an account holder in your name that you did not fill out.
- Proof of address or location for accounts opened where you do not live.
- A copy of your criminal record from law enforcement showing crimes in your name that you did not commit.
Contact the ITRC
If you have questions about any of the steps above to prove you are the victim of an identity crime, contact an ITRC Advisor. You can speak with one toll-free by calling or texting 888.400.5530 or visiting our website to live chat during our regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. PT. You can leave a message for an advisor if you contact us outside of our business hours, and we will respond the next business day. Just visit www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.
