How to Report Identity Fraud

Identity fraud occurs when someone uses another person's personal information as a means of assuming that person's identity. Perpetrators may use another person's identity to apply for credit, a phone, a loan, a job or an apartment. Reporting identity fraud protects your reputation and your finances. It also may serve to prevent the fraudster from committing further crimes.

Things You'll Need

• Details on lost or stolen credit and other identification cards and papers

Instructions

Reporting Identity Theft/Fraud

1. Call the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline at 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338). You can also visit the FTC's website (ftc.gov) to file a report online. The site provides the latest ways to work with credit bureaus and government agencies to reclaim your identity.

2. If your Social Security card was lost or stolen via identity theft, you should contact the Social Security Administration. The SSA will also assist you in obtaining a new Social Security card and correcting earnings records (which could affect how much you collect when you retire). Visit www.ssa.gov to file a report.

3. To report Social Security number misuse, including the improper buying/selling of Social Security cards, contact the Office of the Inspector General, SSA. Visit www.ssa.gov/oig.

4. The Federal Trade Commission has posted a website devoted to identity theft/fraud. The site details the ways in which you can prevent, detect, and report identity theft, as well as address its consequences. Visit www.ftc.gov and click on "Identity Theft" under the Quick Finder.
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5. If you believe an identity thief has submitted a change-of-address form with the US Post Office regarding your mail or has attempted to defraud you through the mails, contact your local office of the Postal Inspection Service. (See Resources)

6. If you believe someone has improperly used an identification number in conjunction with a tax violation, call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-0433.

Tips & Warnings

• As soon as you feel you may be the victim of identity theft, please report this potential violation to the proper governmental authorities.

References

• FTC Identity Theft
• Identity Theft
• Office of the Inspector General

Resources

• Social Security Administration
• IRS
• Postal Inspection Service