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Scam Alert: Fraudsters Posing as the ITRC

Date: 02/24/2026

Summary

  • Criminals are impersonating Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) advisors to gain victims’ trust as part of a scam. 
  • The ITRC does not contact victims unless they reach out first. 
  • The ITRC is not authorized to sign Victim Determination Documentation (VDD) under the Debt Bondage Repair Act. 
  • If you believe you’ve been contacted by scammers, reach out to the ITRC directly for free help and recovery support by text or phone at 888.400.5530 or via live chat on our website.  

What’s Happening? 

Criminals are pretending to be trusted organizations, including the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), as part of impersonation scams. Victims who have already been targeted by scammers have been contacted by people claiming to be from the ITRC—even though the victims have never reached out to us.  

We are also aware of scammers forging signatures as ITRC employees on official legal forms (Victim Determination Documents (VDDs), etc.) for trafficking survivors. Criminals may also be using fake toll-free numbers to appear to be the ITRC when contacting victims. 

What You Need to Know 

  • The ITRC will not contact you first. We will never call, email or text you unless you have contacted us first through one of our official contact points. 
  • The ITRC does not sign legal “victim forms.” The ITRC is not authorized to sign VDD forms for trafficking survivors or for any other purpose. Those forms can only be signed by government or law enforcement agencies and organizations specifically authorized by a government agency. 

How to Protect Yourself 

Scammers often misuse the names of trusted, legitimate organizations to appear credible. Always double-check that you’re communicating through verified contact points listed on an official website.  

If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be from the ITRC and you have not contacted us first: 

  1. Report the impersonation by calling the ITRC at 888.400.5530 or by emailing the ITRC. If you receive an unsolicited call or message claiming to be from the ITRC, hang up or delete the message.  
  2. ITRC services are always FREE for individuals. If you are asked to pay, ignore it and report the scam to the ITRC.  
  3. NEVER share personal or financial information with a person or business you did not contact first. 

How much information are you putting out there? It’s probably too much. To help you stop sharing Too Much Information, sign up for the In the Loop.