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Do I have to file a police report where the identity theft occurred?*

I am a victim of identity theft. The police in the city in which I live (in Missouri) said they couldn't file a report for identity theft since it occurred in another state, California. The detective told me I have to file in California. He also said he couldn't file a police report for me because he can't prove that it really was identity theft. Was he within his rights to do this? How else can I file a police report? I cannot afford to fly to California just to file one and the debt collector who is asking for payment for the fraudulent account has requested that I send them a copy of the police report within 30 days. Help!

Answers:

1) No I don't think you do, but you might want to call the department you would have to file with and see if they can work it out with you somehow.

2) Useful information can be found at the following Web sites: FTC WWW.consumer. gov/id theft FBI www.ifccfbi.gov Privacy Rights House Clearing House www/privacyrights.org Also contact the credit reporting agencies: Equifax (888)766-0008 Experian (888)397-3742 TransUnion (800)680-7289 File a police report in your home state & complain to the FTC at (877)438-4338 You can never do too much to protect yourself becasuse nobody else will do it for you. I hope this informaiton will be of some use to you.

3) Yes, that is correct. This happened to my Wife, and you have to file where the crime occurs -- in her case it was Indiana. It's quite a pain actually, because it can happen in multiple states if your information gets stolen. You cannot just file in your home state. Contact the police in that state, there are things you can do over the phone. But it's really a tough situation, because the police really don't put a high priority on investigating such things Your best bet is to deal with the bank/credit card company that was used. Put the pressure on them by inquiring how someone was able to get access to your account information so easily and let them know that you just might not deal with them anymore if they aren't proactive about researching it. They can check ATM video footage, they can pinpoint when a new card might have been sent out - and where it was sent. All valuable clues. You'll also want to alert the credit bureaus and have them put an alert on your account. This will block someone from opening new credit on your account without scrutinous verification.

4) Depends on the state. What I would do is call the local D.A (prosecutors office) they might have special units designed to investigate identity theft. Also many State Attorney Generals handle these complaints. Jurisdiction usually attaches either where the crime occurs or the harm occurs. So a person whose number is stole in MO can have jurisdiction if the credit card is used in CA. But your local D.A. will know. I work in a New York D.A. office and we go after out of state people all the time.

5) I had someone forge my name and charge items up several years ago in a different state. Give them all the information you can provide. If they give you a run around get the name of the Chief there and his secretary's name. You have to file a police report so that they credit card companies know there is legitemacy to your claim. If the detective won't help in California, call the Chief and/or secretary and let him know your situation. It will get done one way or another. Call the police department in the state of California, let the Big 3 credit bureaus know so you can get it off your credit report and forget the Barney Fife's in Missouri. Good luck!

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