Identityfraudresources.com

If You Don’t Report Identity Theft, Who Will?

The truth is, even if you do report identity theft to most local law enforcement precinths, they don’t really have a dedicated approach to combat this evolving criminal activity.

Luckily, there are a couple of laws that give some guidelines as to how best to prosecute this modern day crime.

We’ll focus on one of those here.

The Identity Theft And Assumption Deterrence Act

In 1998, Congress passed and the President signed the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (18 USC 1028). It makes identity theft a federal felony – when someone knowingly uses the identification of another person with the intention to commit any unlawful activity under federal and state law.

Violations of this Act are investigated by federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service, the Social Security Administration, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

In addition, The U.S. Department of Justice may be called upon to prosecute all crimes of Identity Theft.

This deterrence act allows for restitution to victims. It established an identity theft clearinghouse within the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC offers a toll-free number for consumers to call, 877-IDTHEFT, as well as a web site, http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ in the event an idtheft is suspected.

If you’re a victim of identity theft and the U.S. Mail is involved, call your nearest Postal Inspection Service office and local police or report identity theft on-line.

The Postal Inspection Service has also produced an identity theft-awareness video for consumer groups, financial institutions, and police departments.

Groups wishing to obtain a copy of the video may contact their local Postal Inspector.

Additional Web sites for more information on IDtheft:

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service:
  http://www.usps.com/postal inspectors/
• Federal Trade Commission:
  http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
• U.S. Secret Service:
  http://www.secretservice.gov
• Department of Justice:
  http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation:
  http://www.fdic.gov/consumers

“When your identity is compromised, Time is not on your side. You must act quickly in order to prevent further fraud or damage to your credit. By acting immediately, you are actually taking steps to prove that it was done without your knowledge. This may be necessary to protect your rights.”

How to Report Identity Theft properly.

Time is of the essence to prevent further fraud or damage to your credit. Act as soon as you discover the theft, and act quickly. This may be necessary to protect your rights.

• Keep a record of all conversations. include name, agency, phone number, date, and time.
• Keep copies of all correspondence, especial emails. Print hard copies.
• Never mail originals. Always send out notarized copies by registered, certified mail. Spending a few dollars now will save you a whole lot more in time and money later.
• Above all, be persistent. It can take time and effort to clean up the mess left behind by the criminal who stole your identity and there is no one else more interested in restoring your good name than you.

Some additional Telephone numbers to have handy:

• Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline. 800-269-0271 if your Social Security number has been stolen.
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service if you suspect that a thief has used your mailing address to commit a idtheft crime. Call 888-877-7644 for the number of your local office.
• Internal Revenue Service at 800- 829-0433 if you believe your identification has been used in violation of tax laws.

We have outlined a very detailed proposal on how a victim may Report Identity Theft. This is the first step you take once you become a victim, however, identity protection should begin with preventative measures. Learn more about these by following the link.