Identity Theft Protection

FTC Helping VIctims

How to File a Complaint with the FTC

Here are some important tips on how victims file a complaint with the FTC, for shoppers and merchants.

What does the FTC do to help victims of identity theft?

The FTC is the federal clearinghouse for identity theft complaints. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, we help victims of identity theft by providing them with information on the Web, in print, and through our toll-free Hotline to help resolve the problems that can result from this crime.
We also make the complaints we receive from victims available to other federal, state and local law enforcement officials worldwide. Complaints also may be shared with some private companies, such as credit bureaus, and other appropriate entities, for the purpose of correcting identity theft related problems and preventing fraud.

Source: FTC

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.