This identity theft kit was put together by the Palouse Police Department from materials supplied by the Washington Attorney General’s Office, Secret Service, U.S. Postal Service and the Federal Trade Commission.
The department has not had a lot of reported incidents of identity theft, however in this day and age it is only a matter of time. This kit is designed to help make you more aware of what identity theft is, what steps you can take to help prevent it and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.
The first section, ID Theft, When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name, has information on how ID theft occurs, how to minimize your risk, addresses on the three credit bureaus, what to do if you’re a victim, sample dispute letters for the credit bureaus and much more.
The second section, Identity Theft Resource Center, has information on how to organize your identity theft case for the police. The main reason why it is up to you to organize your case if you’re a victim is because you are the expert when it comes to what accounts you have and what lines of credit you have open, not the investigating officer.
The third section, ID Theft Affidavit, is an actual affidavit you fill out to help make certain you do not become responsible for the debts incurred by the identity thief. You have the burden to provide proof that you did not create the debt to each of the companies where accounts were opened or used in your name. Please do not take the sheets out of the sheet protectors; we would be happy to help you make copies of the form in the sheet protectors. It is also a good idea to have a notary sign the affidavit, many companies require this. The city clerk is a notary.
The fourth section, Identity Crime Incident Detail Form, (yes there is a lot of paper work involved that must be filled out to protect yourself) is a basic form to help you organize your case. We would also be happy to help you make copies of this as well.
The last section is just a copy of a brochure from the Social Security Administration.
Printed copies of the following documents are also available at the Palouse branch of the Whitman County Library.
ID Theft, When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name 826k
Identity Theft Resource Center 151k
ID Theft Affidavit 155k
