Victim Assistance
It is essential that law enforcement launch a concerted effort to combat identity crime. Strategies to address identity crime focus on prevention, investigation and victim assistance. When the victim is a resident of, or otherwise associated with, the department’s jurisdiction, the department has an obligation to assist the victim to the best of its ability.
Victims have the right to recoup losses and damages. Before these actions can be taken, the victim needs to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) so he/she can have access to his/her personal information. Law enforcement cooperation is essential in assisting the victim as FTC regulations require the victim to include an incident report from a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. To better understand victim requirements, please visit the FTC’s document, Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.
- Victim response varies among police departments given jurisdictional, legislative, operational and available resources. Specific rights are given to victims of identity crime.
- Learn about resources and promising approaches to assisting victims of identity crime.
- Learn how to help victims regain control of their personal information with our “Recovery Toolkit (6.6 MB)”
To obtain hard copies of ID Safety Toolkits, please download, print and submit Order Form. You can send your comments to the project staff using Feedback Form.
