Should I File a Police Report if My ID is Stolen?

If you have been a victim of identity theft, you probably are wondering what you should do. You might be wondering how to prevent further loss. You may need to know how to get your credit back to normal. You also might be wondering whether you should file a police report or not. Identity theft is a crime, and if you discover that someone has taken out credit in your name, obtained health insurance in your name, or someone is using your driver’s license fraudulently, you need to report it to the police. Not only will reporting the theft let the police know that they have to look for the criminal, but a police report can be helpful in dealing with creditors.

Where to Report

Once you have discovered that you have been a victim of identity theft, you will need to report it to your local police department. If the criminal has used your identity in areas outside your local area, you should notify the sheriff’s departments in the areas where the crime has been committed as well. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can use the online complaint form at their web site, or call their Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT. Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records. If they are unable to give you a copy of the police report, at least get the report number. If you have become a victim of identity theft outside of the United States, you will want to notify the consumer affairs department or federal trade department in that country.

How Your Report Helps You

When you discover that you have become a victim of identity theft, the police report will help you get your life back on track. You may receive letters or phone calls from angry creditors that think that you have stolen from them. When they call, you can tell them that your identity has been stolen. You can also send a certified, return receipt requested (CRRR) letter to these angry creditors letting them know what has happened. When you send out a letter to your creditors, you can include a copy of your police report. You will also want to send a CRRR letter to all three credit reporting bureaus letting them know you have been a victim of identity theft, and ask them to place a fraud alert on your account. Enclose a copy of your police report with your letter to the credit reporting agencies.

Keep Organized

As a victim of identity theft, you will want to keep organized. Get a file folder to hold all of your paperwork that you will be generating. When you contact a police station or creditor, make note of when you contacted them. Make a photocopy of all the paperwork that you send, and when you receive the return receipt from the business that you have contacted, staple it to the copy of the letter you sent. If the time comes to press charges or sue for financial damages, you will be thankful that all of your paperwork was saved and is in order.