Identity theft is rampant throughout the U.S., and Florida is a particular hotspot for these crimes. A recent report from the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics states that in one recent year, about nine percent of U.S. residents over 16 had their identities stolen within the past 12 months. News reports indicate that Florida has the third-highest number of identity theft reports nationwide in one three-month period.
These alarming figures raise a crucial question: If someone has stolen your identity, how do you report the crime?
Ways to Report Identity Theft in Florida
It’s crucial to report identity theft to law enforcement officials promptly. You can contact these authorities to do so:
Local Law Enforcement
Boca Raton Police Department
Address: 100 NW Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432
Phone: (561) 338-1234
Lobby Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Boca Raton Police Department handles local crime reports, including identity theft. Filing a report with them initiates a local investigation and provides you with documentation for further legal action.
Statewide Law Enforcement
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
The FDLE’s Compromised Identity Services program assists victims of identity theft by reviewing claims and issuing verification certificates. To file a claim, submit the necessary forms to:
Criminal History Record Maintenance – Compromised Identity
P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Florida Attorney General’s Office
The Attorney General provides resources like the Identity Theft Victim Kit and guidance on working with law enforcement. Filing a complaint with their office can aid in broader investigations.
National Law Enforcement
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC’s Identity Theft Clearinghouse is the federal repository for ID theft complaints. Information entered here is available to many local and state law enforcement agencies in Florida for investigations. File a complaint online at www.identitytheft.gov or call 1-877-IDTHEFT.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The FBI investigates severe cases of identity theft, especially those involving large-scale fraud or interstate activities. Contact the Miami Field Office, which oversees Boca Raton:
Address: 2030 SW 145th Ave., Miramar, FL 33027
Phone: (754) 703-2000
Credit Reporting Agencies
If someone has stolen your identity, you can notify major credit bureaus to place fraud alerts or freezes on your credit reports:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Reporting identity theft to these agencies helps initiate investigations and provides the necessary documentation for resolving fraudulent activities. Acting swiftly can mitigate the potential damage and aid in restoring your financial integrity.
How Lehrman Law Can Help If Someone Has Stolen Your Identity
At Lehrman Law, we understand the devastating consequences of identity theft, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. If someone has stolen your identity, we’ll guide you through the process of reporting the crime to the appropriate authorities, including local law enforcement in Boca Raton, statewide agencies like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and federal organizations such as the FTC or FBI. We can also assist you in contacting credit rating agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place fraud alerts or credit freezes on your accounts, protecting you from further harm.
Once we’ve reported the crime, we’ll stay in contact with these agencies to monitor progress and see that they remain actively engaged in resolving your case. We’ll also work with creditors and financial institutions to dispute fraudulent transactions and secure corrections to errors on your credit reports. Finally, our team can help you create a plan to safeguard your financial information moving forward, reducing the risk of future theft.
Contact a Boca Raton, FL, Identity Theft Lawyer Now
At Lehrman Law, our Florida consumer protection lawyers are committed to guarding your rights, restoring your peace of mind, and helping you regain control of your identity. Call now or complete our contact form for a consultation.