How to Report an Invasion of Privacy

If your privacy is being invaded, you may be hesitant to report it due to feelings of vulnerability or even embarrassment. But you should never forget that invasion of privacy is a crime, and like any crime, it must be dealt with. Privacy invasion can range from harmless to devastating, but no matter the severity, reporting it to the proper authorities as soon as possible is the best thing to do.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Report Someone Who Is Invading Your Physical Privacy

1. Leave the premises as soon as you can if your immediate safety is threatened.

2. Call the police immediately. Invasion of privacy is a crime, and the sooner the police become involved, the better chance of a fortunate resolution.

3. Take note of the physical characteristics (height, weight, age, clothing, etc.) of the individual in question if possible. Law enforcement will be aided greatly by any description you can give them.

Report Someone Who Is Invading Your Electronic Privacy

4. Control the extent of the damage. In cases of identity theft, contact all credit agencies immediately and identify the extent of the damage. Place a fraud alert on all of your credit records.

5. Change all of your passwords promptly. It is also advisable to send out an email to everyone in your address book, informing them that you may have been the victim of identity fraud.

6. Close all accounts you believe may have been tampered with. When opening new ones, choose new PIN numbers and passwords.

7. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission to assist law enforcement in apprehending anyone trying to use your information illegally.

8. Contact the police and file a report about the person who is invading your privacy.

Tips & Warnings

• In some cases, the offender may be a family member or friend, and police intervention feels unnecessary or uncomfortable. If they won't stop, however, it may be necessary.
• Inform neighbors when you plan to go out of town so they will know if someone suspicious is on your property.
• In some rare cases, the police will not want to file a report. Remain steadfast--if you encounter resistance, demand to speak to the head of the fraud division and, if necessary, the Chief of Police.

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