How to File Your Police Report for Identity Theft Online

SEP 08, 2010

Now many states are adapting to accommodate online police reports. The ability to file a police report online represents huge strides toward convenience and time efficiency. Instead of spending time downtown you can just file the details online, cancel your credit cards and contact the credit bureaus at the same time.

If you were feeling utterly inconvenienced by a petty identity theft case, this could brighten your day.   The Seattle Post Intelligencer reported that online filing basically works the exact same way as traditional filling, except you receive an email confirmation rather than a piece of paper.

“The report will be reviewed by police personnel, and, once approved, the filing person will receive an email with a copy of the final report attached. The report will transfer directly into the Seattle Police Department records management system and receive the same investigation and statistical analysis as if the report had been filed by an officer,” says the police department’s website.

Not all states offer online reporting, but if you think you may be a victim of identity theft – whether you see suspicious charges on your credit card statement or you just had you wallet stolen – take action immediately before the thief has a chance to use your information.

Keep all records – especially your police report. If the criminal opens an account in your name, you will need to contact the lenders by phone and in writing. But you will need to provide copies of information showing you are an identity theft victim and the new accounts are fraudulent, which is where your police records will come in handy.