File your FTC identity theft report online at IdentityTheft.gov (the official FTC tool), by phone at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338), or by mail to Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580. This process applies to U.S. consumers who suspect their personal information has been misused to open accounts, make purchases, or file taxes fraudulently. The report creates an official record and personalized recovery plan to aid law enforcement and disputes with creditors.

What Controls an FTC Identity Theft Report

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) governs identity theft reporting through its consumer protection process. The official tool at IdentityTheft.gov generates a personalized recovery plan and an official Identity Theft Report. This report provides key information to law enforcement to track and stop identity thieves, as outlined in FTC guidance.

Under federal rules, a printed FTC complaint combined with a local police report constitutes an Identity Theft Report. This entitles victims to certain protections, such as when disputing fraudulent accounts with creditors or credit bureaus. The process does not involve state-specific rules or private recovery services.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your FTC Report

Start online at IdentityTheft.gov by answering questions about the incident and any affected companies or accounts. The site produces your recovery plan and report; create an optional account to save progress. For phone assistance, call 1-877-438-4338. To file by mail, send details to FTC Identity Theft Clearinghouse, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.

After filing online or by phone, print your FTC report immediately. Next, obtain a local police report to document the theft. Use the combined documents as your Identity Theft Report when contacting relevant parties. For tax-related identity theft, submit IRS Form 14039 electronically through the same site.

What an FTC Report Does and Does Not Do

An FTC identity theft report creates an official record that supports recovery steps and helps law enforcement track thieves. It generates tools like the Identity Theft Report for use in disputes with creditors or bureaus.

The report does not replace a police report, credit freezes, or fraud alerts--handle those separately through credit bureaus. It also focuses on federal consumer protections, not bank workflows or state processes.

Next Steps After Filing

Print your FTC report and file a local police report to form your complete Identity Theft Report. Use it to place fraud alerts or credit freezes with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion; notify banks or creditors of fraudulent accounts; and submit IRS Form 14039 if taxes are involved.

Act promptly to limit damage, though no firm federal deadlines apply. Follow the personalized recovery plan from IdentityTheft.gov for specific guidance. For details on combining reports, see New York Department of State guidance.

FAQ

What is IdentityTheft.gov?
The FTC's official online tool to file reports, get a personalized recovery plan, and submit tax ID theft forms electronically.

Do I need a police report for FTC protections?
Yes, combine your printed FTC report with a local police report to create a full Identity Theft Report for creditor disputes.

Can I file an FTC report by phone if I lack internet?
Yes, call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) for help filing.

Does filing guarantee my money back?
No, it provides a record and plan but recovery depends on creditors, bureaus, or law enforcement.

Is this for U.S. residents only?
Yes, the FTC process applies to U.S. consumers; non-U.S. residents follow local authorities.