Getting Information from Businesses that Dealt with the Identity Thief
You can request documents, at no cost to you, about the applications and fraudulent transactions made by the thief. You can request these documents from the businesses the thief dealt with. These documents can help you show that you did not apply for the account or make the transactions, and can help the police catch the thief. Among other documents that may be useful to you and the police are documents that show the thief’s signature, or show which address the thief gave.
You must make your request to the business in writing, and you must demonstrate to the business that you are who you say you are (see below for more information). You must also demonstrate that you are an identity theft victim. You do that by providing the company with a copy of the police report, so be sure to get that from your police contact. Also, in your letter, you can request that the business provide the documents to you or to your law enforcement contact. The business must provide you with the records within 30 days after they receive your written request.
Before writing your letter, you should first call the company and ask two things: (1) to what address you should send your written request; and (2) what identification and other information does the company require.
Then, complete this form letter, make a copy for yourself, and mail it. We suggest mailing it by certified mail, return receipt requested.
As you complete the letter, please note the following: You’ll need to insert your own information where it’s requested. Also, be sure to give as complete a description as possible of the fraudulent transaction/account at the top of the form. And, if the business requires you to provide information different from that listed in A-C in the letter, simply substitute the type of information required by the company for the information listed.
Hot Links
Use Our Materials In Your Community
The President's Identity Theft Task Force
2006 Identity Theft Survey Report
Test Your Knowledge about Identity Theft – Take the OnGuard Online Quiz
Key Publications
Fighting Fraud with the Red Flags Rule: A How-to Guide for Business (PDF 22MB)
Seeing Through Stimulus Scams (PDF 126KB)
How To Plan and Host Protect Your Identity Days Kit (PDF 6MB)
To Buy or Not To Buy: Identity Theft Spawns New Products and Services To Help Minimize Risk (PDF 229KB)
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
(PDF 4.9MB)
Information Compromise and the Risk of Identity Theft: Guidance for Your Business
(PDF 152KB)
Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business (PDF 3.47MB)