How to File a Police Report for Identity Theft
A police report plus your FTC affidavit creates a complete Identity Theft Report that can permanently block fraud from your credit. Here's what to bring and how to file.
A police report is the last piece — and it makes everything stronger
By itself, your FTC Identity Theft Report is powerful. When you add a police report, you have a complete “Identity Theft Report” — the combination that carries the most legal weight with credit bureaus, creditors, and debt collectors. It can permanently block fraudulent accounts, stop debt collection, and unlock a 7-year fraud alert.
File your FTC report first
⚠️ Do this before going to the police station
Many police departments ask to see your FTC Identity Theft Report before they will take a report from you. Complete your FTC report at IdentityTheft.gov first, then print the affidavit and bring it with you.
What to bring to the police station
Being prepared makes the process faster and ensures the officer can file a complete report. Bring:
- 1Your printed FTC Identity Theft Report / affidavit (from IdentityTheft.gov)
- 2A government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or passport
- 3Proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement
- 4Any evidence of the theft: fraudulent account statements, collection notices, IRS letters, credit report pages with disputed accounts circled, or screenshots of scam messages
How to file — step by step
- 1File your FTC report and print the affidavit. Go to IdentityTheft.gov, complete your report, and print the FTC Identity Theft affidavit. This is your foundation document.
- 2Gather all your evidence. Collect everything listed above — photo ID, proof of address, account statements, collection letters, credit report pages, screenshots, and any other documentation of the fraud.
- 3Go to the police department. Visit your local police department. If you know where the theft occurred (for example, in a different city), you can also file with the police department there. Call ahead to confirm whether you need an appointment.
- 4Tell the officer what happened. Explain clearly what occurred — what accounts were opened, what fraud was committed, and what evidence you have. Hand the officer your FTC affidavit and supporting documents.
- 5Get a copy of the report and the report number. Before you leave the station, ask for a printed copy of the police report and make sure you write down the report number. Some departments mail the copy — ask when you can expect it.
- 6Attach the police report to your FTC affidavit. Together, these two documents form your complete Identity Theft Report. Send both together when you dispute fraudulent accounts with credit bureaus or creditors.
What if the police won’t take my report?
Unfortunately, some police departments are reluctant to take identity theft reports, especially if the fraud occurred online or in another jurisdiction. If this happens:
- •Ask to file an informational report or incident report — even a report number without a full investigation helps.
- •Try the police department in the city or county where the fraud occurred if it was a different location.
- •Your FTC Identity Theft Report alone still gives you substantial FCRA rights — the police report makes the package stronger, but the FTC report is the foundation.
- •Contact our attorneys if bureaus or creditors are using the lack of a police report as a reason to deny your dispute.
Helpful reference
What to do after the police report
With both your FTC affidavit and police report in hand, your next steps are:
- •Pull your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and identify every fraudulent account.
- •Send your complete Identity Theft Report (FTC affidavit + police report) to each credit bureau with a written request to block the fraudulent tradelines under FCRA § 1681c-2.
- •See the complete plan in our Master Reporting Guide.
Bureaus refusing to block fraudulent accounts?
If you have submitted your Identity Theft Report and the bureaus are still showing fraudulent accounts as yours, the FCRA gives you the right to sue for damages. Our consumer-protection attorneys take these cases on contingency — no fee unless we recover money for you.
Contact an FCRA attorneyThis page provides general information only and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this page.