The Identity Theft Report from IdentityTheft.gov is the single most useful document in identity theft recovery. Creditors respect it, bureaus accept it, and it unlocks extended fraud alerts. Here is how to file it correctly.
Step 1: Go to IdentityTheft.gov. This is the Federal Trade Commission’s official reporting site. It is free, and you do not need to create an account to file.
Step 2: Describe what happened. The site asks what type of identity theft you experienced — existing accounts misused, new accounts opened, tax fraud, medical fraud, and more. Select everything that applies; your plan covers each type.
Step 3: Answer the follow-up questions. You will provide details: which accounts, what information was stolen, when you noticed it. The more specific you are, the more tailored your recovery plan becomes.
Step 4: Review your personal recovery plan. The site generates a step-by-step plan based on your answers — who to contact, what to say, and in what order. Save it or print it; this becomes your recovery roadmap.
Step 5: Download your Identity Theft Report. This official document, combined with your cover information, functions as your identity theft affidavit. Keep digital and printed copies.
Step 6: Use the report everywhere. Attach it to disputes with credit bureaus and creditors, bring it when filing a police report, and use it to request an extended seven-year fraud alert.
Step 7: Update as needed. If new fraud surfaces later, you can return to the site, update your report, and get revised steps. Recovery is a process, not a single event — keep the plan current until every item is resolved.
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