Resource For Identity Theft Victims

National Crime Victim Helpline: 1-800-FYI-CALL

Identity theft victims face a host of urgent, immediate problems. By the time victims realize their identity has been stolen, their credit may be ruined and their employment prospects damaged. Victims may even face being arrested instead of the criminal who stole their identity.

At the National Crime Victim Helpline (1-800-FYI-CALL), an information and referral service operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime, trained victim advocates answer questions and provide a range of services for victims of crime. Identity theft victims can receive:

IMMEDIATE SUPPORT:

• Help to assess victims' immediate needs
• Information on the legal and financial impact of the crime
• Help to identify available services
• List of steps victims should take to prevent further damage

HELP WITH LEGAL AND SAFETY PLANNING:

• Information on how their state's identity theft laws apply to their case
• Strategies to protect victims' safety and personal information
• Advocacy for victims to criminal justice, financial, and other agencies

GUIDENCE AND REFERRALS TO:

• Law enforcement
• Other identity theft experts (U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Identity Theft Resource Center
• Credit Bureaus
• Civil justice resources
• Banks and creditors
• "Credit freeze" programs to prevent unauthorized access to victims' credit reports

Victims of identity theft may be overwhelmed by the number and complexity of the tasks they face to fully restore their identity. Helpline victim advocates prepare victims for these challenges on a one-time-only or ongoing basis.