How to report identity theft: A step-by-step guide

Why should you report identity theft?

Reporting identity theft as soon as you discover it is crucial to minimizing damage to your finances and personal credit. An identity theft report is an official record of the incident, which you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts and charges. This documentation is essential when dealing with law enforcement, banks, and creditors as you work to repair the damage and restore your identity.

If you’ve become a victim of identity theft, securing your credit and bank accounts immediately is a must. Notify your financial institutions and dispute any unauthorized transactions. Most banks and credit card companies will require a copy of your identity theft report to verify your claims and acknowledge that you are not responsible for the debts, financial losses, or criminal acts committed in your name.

Credit reporting agencies will also need a copy of your identity theft report to remove fraudulent accounts or inquiries from your credit report and to freeze or close compromised accounts. Let’s explore the steps you should take to report identity theft and begin the recovery process.

Immediate steps to take after identity theft

Realizing that you’ve become a victim of identity theft might feel unsettling and overwhelming. If you’re dealing with identity theft in the US, taking the following steps will help you regain control:

1. Collect all information about the theft. Identify all accounts impacted by the theft, such as bank accounts, credit cards, and loans. Document the details of fraudulent transactions, including dates, amounts, and merchant names. Note what personal information was compromised, such as your Social Security number, driver’s license, passport, or online account credentials. Gather supporting documents, including bank statements, credit card statements, receipts, emails, and any other communication related to the theft. Keep these documents organized in a secure physical or digital folder for easy access.
2. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Visit identitytheft.gov to file an FTC Identity Theft Report. This report will generate an official record of the theft and provide you with a personalized recovery plan. You’ll need the FTC Identity Theft Report for disputing fraudulent accounts and charges. It will also serve as a key document when working with law enforcement, creditors, and financial institutions. 
3. Report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), if applicable. If identity thieves used your Social Security number in tax-related identity theft, such as to file fraudulent tax returns, you should fill out Form 14039, or the Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS. This form will alert the IRS to the fraudulent activity and help prevent further misuse of your personal information for tax purposes.
4. Notify the credit bureaus. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, TransUnion — to place an initial fraud alert on your credit file. This alert notifies creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending new credit in your name. Consider placing a credit freeze on your credit report with each bureau. A credit freeze provides stronger protection by preventing new accounts from being opened in your name without your consent.
5. Report to your local law enforcement agency. Visit your local police station to file a police report. Bring a copy of your FTC report, government-issued ID, proof of address, and any evidence of the theft. A police report is often necessary to dispute fraudulent accounts and charges. Request a copy of the police report for your records because you may need it when dealing with creditors and other entities affected by identity theft.
6. Close or freeze affected accounts. Contact your bank, credit card companies, and any other affected institutions to close or freeze compromised accounts. If necessary, open new accounts with different account numbers and update your automatic payments to reflect these changes. This step is crucial to prevent further unauthorized use of your existing accounts and to secure your financial assets.
7. Dispute unauthorized transactions. Contact your bank or credit card issuers’ fraud departments to dispute fraudulent charges. Provide copies of your identity theft reports (with the FTC and the police) if requested. Request written confirmation from the organization that it’s investigating the dispute and taking action to remove the fraudulent charges from your account.
8. Monitor your credit and financial statements. Order free copies of your credit reports from each of the three bureaus through annualcreditreport.com and review them for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can also set up alerts on your financial accounts for new transactions or changes. And check your statements frequently for unusual activity.
9. Notify other agencies, if applicable. If an identity thief has stolen your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration to report the misuse and consider placing an alert on your Social Security records. If the theft has compromised your driver’s license or other state-issued identification, report the incident to the Department of Motor Vehicles. This step can prevent further abuse of your personal information in ways beyond financial fraud.
10. Contact your identity theft protection service. If you have an identity theft protection service, notify it immediately about the incident. These services often offer support in monitoring your credit and personal information, resolving identity theft cases, and disputing unauthorized activity. They can also help you navigate the reporting process and provide additional layers of security to protect against further fraud.

How to file a report with the FTC

Filing a report with the FTC is a crucial step because it creates an official record of the incident. Go to its website and click “Get started” to begin your report. Provide detailed information about the theft, including the personal information that identity thieves compromised and any unauthorized accounts or charges.

Once you submit the report, the FTC will generate your Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan. Save and print copies of the report for use with financial institutions, credit bureaus, and law enforcement. If you discover new information or additional fraudulent activity later, you can update your report on the FTC website.

How to report identity theft to the police

Next, visit your local police station to file a report, bringing a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your FTC report. Have all relevant information ready, such as details of the fraudulent activity, affected accounts, and any supporting documentation like bank statements or emails. Be as specific as possible to ensure the police report accurately reflects the identity theft incident.

Request a copy of the completed police report for your records because you will need it to dispute fraudulent charges and accounts with financial institutions, credit bureaus, and other entities. Keep this document in a secure place because it serves as an official record of your case that you might need for legal proceedings or insurance claims.

How to report identity theft to the credit bureaus and financial institutions

One more important step is to contact one of the major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion — to place a fraud alert on your credit report, which notifies creditors to take extra steps to confirm your identity before approving any new credit. This alert is free and lasts for one year, and the bureau you contact will notify the other two. You can also consider initiating a credit freeze for stronger protection. It will prevent the identity thief from opening new accounts in your name.

Then, contact the fraud departments of affected financial institutions, such as your bank or credit card companies, to report the identity theft and dispute fraudulent charges. Provide them with a copy of your FTC report and police report and request written confirmation that they’re investigating fraudulent transactions. Keep a detailed record of all communications, including dates, names of representatives, and actions taken, to track the resolution of your case effectively.

How long does it take to recover from identity theft?

The time it takes to recover from identity theft can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of identity theft (credit card fraud, tax-related identity theft, or medical identity theft). For instance, you might spend a few weeks trying to resolve unauthorized credit card charges, while rectifying more complex cases like fraudulent loans or misuse of your Social Security number can take several months or even years. The quicker you report the theft, the shorter the recovery time will be.

Why your identity theft report matters

Reporting identity theft matters greatly because it doesn’t just help you bounce back — it also helps protect others from becoming identity theft victims. When you file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department, your case becomes part of a larger database that government agencies and law enforcement use to track identity theft trends, identify patterns, and detect widespread fraud schemes. This collective information helps authorities understand how identity thieves operate, uncover identity theft rings, and develop strategies to prevent similar crimes in the future.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed above are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the US Government or Governmental Agencies.