Identityfraudresources.com

Reporting Fraud- Whose Responsibility Is It Anyway?

Reporting Fraud is not the “other guy’s” job. As responsible citizens, we should feel obligated to do so even if it’s not happening to us. You may ask why, and putting it simply, you may be the next victim and you may well want the favor returned.

When we speak of fraud on this website, we are generally referring to identity fraud which encompasses an array of situations. For example, credit fraud, benefit fraud and even medical identity theft are all fraudulent activities. Identity theft online is included and it so happens that this form of fraud is the most prevalent and is growing rapidly.

Identity Theft Resources

In 1998, Congress passed and the President signed the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (18 USC 1028) to deter identity theft scams. 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. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes criminal identity theft.

This law 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 identity theft crimes have occurred.

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 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.

We cannot stop the theft of identity, however, early detection and reporting will go a long way in minimizing the effects felt from it. The identity theft criminal can assume an identity in hours, the negative effects can last years and consume loads of time and finances.

Another good identity theft resource to have is a local theft attorney. Over the years, as the crime became better known, these lawyers have also improved their skill with handling it.

Here Are Some resources to learn more about Reporting Fraud.

- 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.

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We have outlined a very detailed proposal on how a victim may go about reporting fraud. We provided important websites, telephone numbers and general information that anyone can easily follow. Now it’s your turn. The next time you encounter signs of fraudulent activity, you know what to do. Someone may be counting on you to report it. Don’t let them down.