Identity Theft continues to be a major problem that individuals face in today’s world. The IRS, taxpayers and tax preparers have been frequent targets. We provide you this Checklist for recovery should you fall victim to an identity theft attack.

Identity theft is a complex and evolving threat and one that costs U.S. citizens billions of dollars annually. Without question, it is one of the most pressing challenges facing our country. Unfortunately, the problem is growing, and fraudsters are always looking for new ways to steal confidential information to commit crimes. As your trusted adviser, we understand your concerns about identity theft and we want you to take every precaution to keep your personal information safe. There are numerous types of identity theft.

For example, a thief could steal a wallet and use credit cards to make illegal purchases or obtain information to file a tax return on behalf of a taxpayer to claim an illegal refund.
Should you ever find yourself a victim of any type of identity theft, the checklist below will be your guide to mitigate the damage. The ID Theft Checklist outlines specific steps you should take to help mitigate the damage of identity theft: closing credit cards, filing a police report, filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, addressing matters with the IRS and more.

ID Theft Checklist – Action Steps for Recovery

WHAT TO DO

Contact Credit Agencies

• Credit Agencies Report the identity theft to the fraud department of one of the following reporting agencies as soon as possible. They must notify the other two agencies.
  • Equifax: equifax.com
  • Experian: experian.com
  • TransUnion: transunion.com
• Request a copy of your credit report and that only the last four digits of your Social Security number be placed on the report.
•  Close accounts that you think have been compromised or opened fraudulently. Inform the credit bureaus and the credit issuers (in writing) of any fraudulent accounts and incorrect information.
• Obtain replacement credit cards with new, secure account numbers and destroy any old cards.
• Notify those who have received your credit report in the last six months to alert them to any disputed, fraudulent or incorrect
  information.
• Confirm that an extended fraud alert (seven years) is placed on your credit report.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Report the crime to the FTC to establish an Identity Theft Affidavit.
• Identity Theft Victim’s Complaint and Affidavit.

Local Police

• Report the crime to your local police or sheriff’s department. Make sure to provide as much documented evidence as possible.
• Verify that the report lists the fraudulent accounts and keep a copy of the report.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

• Contact the IRS to report tax-related identity theft. This will alert them to any claim for refund or other activity on your account.
• File IRS Form 14039, Identify Theft Affidavit.
  • IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU): 800.908.4490
  Contact your CPA with any questions.

State Tax Agency

• Contact your state tax agency to report the theft. Some agencies may require a police report and/or the IRS affidavit.

Other Agencies and Organizations

• U.S. mail fraud: Contact your local postal inspector.
  • Online: postalinspectors.uspis.gov
  • Phone: 800.275.8777
• Social Security number misuse — non-IRS issues:
• Check your earnings record to make sure no one is using your identification number to obtain work. Call your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office if something looks inaccurate.
• Contact the SSA Inspector General to report Social Security benefit fraud, employment fraud, or welfare fraud.
  • Online reporting resources:
  – oig.ssa.gov/
  – Fraud Reporting Form
  • SSA fraud hotline: 800.269.0271

Health Insurance Provider

• Contact your health insurance company if your insurance card was accessed or stolen to help prevent the thief from using your insurance. Similarly, notify Medicare if your Medicare card was accessed or stolen.

Utilities and Brokers

• Utilities and Brokers Contact your local utility providers (gas, electric, cable, internet, cellular carrier, etc.) to ensure no new accounts are opened in your name. Similarly, let your investment or retirement account company know your identity documents were stolen so they will be alert to any suspicious activity on your account.

Debt Collectors

• Debt Collectors Tell collectors that you are a victim of fraud and, therefore, not responsible for the account.
• Ask for the name of the collection company/the name of the person contacting you, the phone number and the address.
• Ask for the name and contact information for the referring credit issuer, the amount of the debt, account number and dates of the
  charges.
• Ask if the debt collector needs you to complete a specific fraud affidavit form or whether the FTC affidavit may be used.
• Follow up, in writing, with the debt collector and ensure that they confirm, in writing, that you do not owe the debt and that the
  account has been closed.

What Else Can You Do?

• • Create an identity theft file (keep copies of everything).
  • Change all your account passwords. As an extra step, consider changing your username.
  • In all communications with the credit bureaus, refer to the unique number assigned to your credit report. When mailing information, use certified, return receipt. Be sure to save all credit reports as part of your fraud documentation file.
  • Review your credit report periodically. An extended fraud alert allows you to obtain two free credit reports from each of the credit reporting agencies within 12 months.
  • Consider requesting a security freeze. By freezing your credit reports, you can prevent issuers from accessing your credit files unless you give them permission. This prevents thieves from opening up new credit card and loan accounts.
  • Consider requesting a criminal background check to ensure your identity is not being used in connection with criminal activities.

*This checklist provides you with a structured plan to resolve identity theft issues. Use it to contact the applicable agency (or agencies) and report the fraud.

Check out other options on the Federal Trade Commission Website or you can take a look at the FTC ID Theft Booklet below.

Identity Theft - A Recovery Plan Booklet