- If the crime involves bank or credit union accounts, notify the institution immediately and close the accounts.
- If the crime involves theft of a U.S. Passport or Visa, notify the FBI and U.S. Department of State immediately.
- Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or by telephone at 877.ID.THEFT. Nearly 70 percent of all incidents reported contain information that can assist in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators.
The N.C. Attorney General offers an excellent online resource kit that may be downloaded and used to notify the credit reporting agencies, businesses and financial institutions regarding your situation. Necessary affidavit forms are included that can be used to begin to isolate the damage caused by the crime.- Your local law enforcement agency will have these materials if you do not have access to a computer.
That's a beginning to help understand what identity crime is all about. Read Part II to find out specific things you can do to prevent you or someone in your home from becoming a victim.
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