Step 1. File A Police Report

A.    File a report with the local law enforcement agency where you reside. 

Under Georgia law, the agency having law enforcement jurisdiction in the community of the victim's home must complete an Identity Theft report.  Get the report number and copies of the report so that you can provide them to the credit bureaus, the banks, credit card companies, and others that will request them in the future as proof of the crime.

Be prepared to:

1)  Explain to the law enforcement agencies any knowledge that you may have about how your identity was stolen.

2)   Provide them with copies of statements or other documents that you have that support your contention.

3)   Be prepared to provide signed releases so that the law enforcement agency may obtain additional pertinent records and documents about you for their investigation.

B.    Have your ID theft information entered into the NationalCrimeInformationCenter’s (NCIC) Identity Theft File program.  The Identity Theft File will serve as a means for law enforcement to "flag" stolen identities and identify the imposter when encountered by law enforcement.

When an identity theft victim becomes aware that his/her identity has been stolen and reports the incident to law enforcement, the police officer should complete an incident report and collect pertinent information from the victim to create a victim profile that is entered into the NCIC Identity Theft File.  The law enforcement agency enters the information only after the victim signs a consent waiver.  The waiver states that the victim provides permission for the information to be entered in the Identity Theft File.  It also acknowledges that the victim may withdraw the consent by providing a written request to the entering agency.  At that time, the record will be canceled from the Identity Theft File.  The profile will include information such as the victim's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the type of identity theft. 

C.  Get Control of your Identifiers!
A few guidelines to regain control of your life and your financial well being by proving to financial institutions that you are the victim not the perpetrator. 

• Gather all the information you possess regarding the theft and use of your personal identifiers.
• Chart a time line as to the sequence of events as you understand them.  Correct the time line as you gather more information.
• Keep a diary and document any phone calls regarding your problem; record the date, time and the names of persons you called and what information was discussed. Get direct phone numbers of those contacted as well as addresses for future correspondence.
• Follow up all phone conversations with a written correspondence confirming the details of your conversation.  Send the correspondence certified mail with a return receipt.
• Keep hard copies as well as computer copies of all correspondence, bills and charges either sent or received.
• Keep track of expenses related to correcting your personal identifiers or credit information for the possibility of future restitution.
• Stay organized, that may be difficult in such stressful circumstances so you may need to enlist a family member or close friend to assist you in the effort.