 TITLE: Identity Theft Victim Assistance CONTENT: File an Identity Theft Report\n-----------------------------\nIf a lender confirms they've received a credit application in your name, or issued a loan or credit to someone using your personal information, report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately.\nA great starting place is the Federal Trade Commission's fraud-reporting website, IdentityTheft.gov. It provides step-by-step guidance on which authorities to notify concerning different types of identity theft and fraud. You can also contact fraud to the FTC by phone, at 877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338).\nOther authorities you may need to contact include:\n*   **Local law enforcement**: Start with the department with jurisdiction where you live. You may also need to contact or cooperate with other departments if crimes are believed to have been committed elsewhere.\n*   **The IRS**: If you think your Social Security number (SSN) has been stolen and misused, it's possible the thieves will file a bogus tax return in an attempt to claim your refund. You can check to see if this has occurred and report potential abuse at the Internal Revenue Service website or by phoning 800-908-4490.\n*   **The FBI**: If you believe your SSN has been stolen, or if you believe your personal data has been used to commit online fraud, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).\n*   **Your state's motor vehicles department**: If your driver's license is stolen, it could be used to obtain additional personal credentials including a birth certificate or Social Security Card, so report the loss immediately to your state motor vehicles department.\n*   **The U.S. State Department**: If your passport has been lost or stolen, it could fall into the wrong hands and be used to steal your identity. Contact the U.S. State Department passport agency at once.\n*   **The U.S. Postal Service**: If you or a relative have been the victim of fraud committed through postal mail, file a report with the Postal Inspection Service as soon as possible. END