Identity Theft
Resources
- FTC Consumer Information Site
- Fight Identity Theft
- Identity Theft.org
- Internet Fraud Complaint Center
- National Fraud Information Center
- Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
- Social Security Administration
- State of California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Texas Consumer Protection Division
Additional Contacts
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and its U.S. Attorneys prosecute federal identity theft cases.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the federal criminal law enforcement agencies that investigates cases of identity theft. Local field offices are listed in the Blue Pages of your telephone directory.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's Consumer Information Bureau is the consumer's one-stop source for information, forms, applications and current issues before the FCC.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for administering and enforcing the internal revenue laws. If you believe someone has assumed your identity to file federal Income Tax Returns, or to commit other tax fraud, call toll-free: (800) 829-0433. For assistance to victims of identity theft schemes who are having trouble filing their correct returns, call the IRS Taxpayer Advocates Office, toll-free: (877) 777-4778.
The U.S. Secret Service is one of the federal law enforcement agencies that investigates financial crimes, which may include identity theft. Although the Secret Service generally investigates cases where the dollar loss is substantial, your information may provide evidence of a larger pattern of fraud requiring their involvement. Local field offices are listed in the Blue Pages of your telephone directory.
The Social Security Administration may assign you a new SSN - at your request - if you continue to experience problems even after trying to resolve the problems resulting from identity theft. SSA field office employees work closely with victims of identity theft and third parties to collect the evidence needed to assign a new SSN in these cases.
SSA Office of the Inspector General (SSA/OIG) The SSA/OIG is one of the federal law enforcement agencies that investigates cases of identity theft.
Direct allegations that an SSN has been stolen or misused to the SSA Fraud Hotline. Call: (800) 269-0271; fax: (410) 597-0118; write: SSA Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235; or send an e-mail.
SSA publications:
- SSA Fraud Hotline for Reporting Fraud
- Social Security When Someone Misuses Your Number (SSA Pub. No. 05-10064)
- Social Security: Your Number and Card (SSA Pub. No. 05-10002)
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service. USPIS has primary jurisdiction in all matters infringing on the integrity of the U.S. mail. You can locate the USPIS district office nearest you by calling your local post office or checking the list at the web site above.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Office of Investor Education and Assistance serves investors who complain to the SEC about investment fraud or the mishandling of their investments by securities professionals. If you've experienced identity theft in connection with a securities transaction, you can file a complaint with the SEC by clicking here or write: SEC Office of Investor Education and Assistance, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0213, or call (202) 942-7040. Be sure to include as much detail as possible.
The U. S. Trustee. If you believe someone has filed for bankruptcy using your name, write to the U.S. Trustee in the region where the bankruptcy was filed. A list of the U.S. Trustee's Regional Offices is available on the UST web site, or check the Blue Pages of your phone book under U.S. Government Bankruptcy Administration. Your letter should describe the situation and provide proof of your identity. The U.S. Trustee, if appropriate, will make a criminal referral to criminal law enforcement authorities if you provide appropriate documentation to substantiate your claim. You also may want to file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney and/or the FBI in the city where the bankruptcy was filed.
The U.S. Trustee does not provide legal representation, legal advice or referrals to lawyers. That means you may need to hire an attorney to help convince the bankruptcy court that the filing is fraudulent. The U.S. Trustee does not provide consumers with copies of court documents. Those documents are available from the bankruptcy clerk's office for a fee.
State and Local Governments
Many states and local governments have passed laws related to identity theft; others may be considering such legislation. Where specific identity theft laws do not exist, the practices may be prohibited under other laws. Contact your State Attorney General's office (for a list of state offices, click here) or local consumer protection agency to find out whether your state has laws related to identity theft.
