How to File a Police Report for ID Theft

If your identity is stolen, the first step you should take is to file a police report, or an identity theft report, that gives specific details of the theft. This report gives you certain legal rights when you provide it to either the company where the thief misused your information, or the three major credit reporting agencies. Before you complete the police identity theft report in person at the police station, it's a good idea to complete a Police Report Worksheet and bring it with you so you have all of the information you need on hand.

Although you may not need the identity theft report if you are able to work out the details of the theft with your company or provider, you will need one if a new account has been opened in your name, if fraudulent charges have been reported to consumer reporting agencies, or if you would like to receive copies of the thief's application and transactional information from the companies that dealt with them.

To get an identity theft report, the officer working with you can include your Police Report Worksheet in their report for added details. You should ask the police officer for a copy of the official police report, and keep a copy of the police report number. It takes two steps to complete your identity theft report:

• File your report with your local, state or even federal law enforcement agency, such as your local police department, State Attorney General's office, the FBI, or even the U.S. Postal Service. Divulge as much information as possible in your report, including the dates of the theft, fraudulent accounts, and accounts that have been tampered with. To organize all this information or determine what details should be included, you can use a Police Report Worksheet.

• Send all the businesses involved, as well as your credit reporting companies, a copy of your identity theft report. You should send this by certified mail. In the event that the companies request more information from you to verify your identity theft, you must meet their request within fifteen days of receiving your identity theft report. From that point forth, the credit reporting company has fifteen more days to verify that your identity theft report is complete. From there it can take up to an additional five days to review the information you offer them.

The identity theft report assures that these debts will not reappear on your statement, and can be used to block any fraudulent information that may have resulted from the theft permanently. It is also necessary for your extended fraud alert on your credit report. You will need to submit your report to one of the three major credit reporting companies (Experian, Equifax and Trans Union), and include a cover letter and supporting documentation. Once again, send all your information by certified mail.

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.