Identity Theft Solutions – File a Police Report

Throughout this process, you’re going to be faced by skepticism. Companies will want some kind of proof that you really are a victim, and not just some jerk trying to get out of paying your debts. A police report is the best proof you can offer, because creditors assume you wouldn’t file a police report unless you really meant it. (You wouldn’t, right? Don’t make us come over there!)

The problem is, it can sometimes be difficult to get the police to take you seriously, so you’ll have to be persistent. Explain that without a police report you have no way to stop the theft and repair your credit. Provide the police with copies of any documentation you already have, like your credit report, debt collection letters, or the ID Theft Affidavit. If the local police still refuse to help you, go to the county police, and then try the state police. If they say identity theft isn’t a crime in your state, ask to file a Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.

When you file the report, be certain that it lists every instance of fraud committed with your identifying information. And make sure you get a copy of it, so you can send copies to creditors. (When you do that, it’s also helpful to include the phone number of the investigating officer.) If you absolutely can’t get a copy of the police report, get the report number, and ask for a letter stating that the report couldn’t be given to you.