Identity Theft Victim Checklist printable pdf download

CONSUMER INFORMATION SHEET 3

4/30//08

Identity Theft Victim Checklist

This checklist can help identity theft victims clear up their records. It lists the actions most identity theft

victims should take to limit the damage done by the thief. For more information, see the Web sites of the

Federal Trade Commission at , the Identity Theft Resource Center at

, and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse at

Report the fraud to the three major credit bureaus.

You can report the identity theft to all three of the major credit bureaus by calling any one of the toll-free

fraud numbers below. You will reach an automated telephone system and you will not be able to speak to

anyone at this time. The system will ask you to enter your Social Security number and other information

to identify yourself. The automated system allows you to flag your file with a fraud alert at all three

bureaus. This helps stop a thief from opening new accounts in your name. The alert stays on for 90 days.

Each of the credit bureaus will send you a letter confirming your fraud alert and giving instructions on

how to get a copy of your credit report. As a victim of identity theft, you will not be charged for these

reports. Each report you receive will contain a telephone number you can call to speak to someone in the

credit bureau’s fraud department.

Experian 1-888-397-3742

Equifax 1-800-525-6285

TransUnion 1-800-680-7289

Report the crime to the police.

Under California law, you can report identity theft to your local police department.

Ask the police to

issue a police report of identity theft. Give the police as much information on the theft as possible. One

way to do this is to provide copies of your credit reports showing the items related to identity theft. Black

out other items not related to identity theft. Give the police any new evidence you collect to add to your

report. Be sure to get a copy of your police report. You will need to give copies to creditors and the credit

bureaus. For more information, see “Organizing Your Identity Theft Case” by the Identity Theft Resource

Center, available at /vg106.shtml.

Request information on fraudulent accounts.

When you file your police report of identity theft, the officer may give you forms to use to request

account information from credit grantors, utilities or cell phone service companies. If the officer does not

do this, you can use the form in our Consumer Information Sheet 3A: Requesting Information on

Fraudulent Accounts. When you write to creditors where the thief opened or applied for accounts, send

Identity Theft Victim Checklist