Identity theft remains one of the most reported consumer crimes in the United States. According to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network, more than 1.4 million identity theft reports were filed in 2024 alone — with credit card fraud, government benefit fraud, and tax refund fraud leading the categories. The impact extends beyond finances: a stolen identity can affect employment background checks, medical records, tax filings, and government benefits for years. The good news is that all the tools needed to report fraud, freeze credit, and begin recovery are provided free by federal and state government agencies. There is no need to pay a private service to do what you can do directly. This directory organizes every official government fraud resource by agency and type, with direct links to the reporting tools and recovery steps, updated March 2026.

Report Identity Theft — FTC & Federal Resources

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government's one-stop portal for identity theft victims. It creates a personalized recovery plan based on the type of theft, pre-fills dispute letters, and guides you through the steps in the correct order. The FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network passes reports to law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Tax Fraud & Government Benefit Fraud

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security Number to file a fraudulent tax return and collect your refund. The IRS issued more than 1.1 million Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) in 2024. If you receive an IRS notice about a return you did not file, act immediately — call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit and file Form 14039. For Medicare and Social Security fraud, separate reporting channels exist.

Credit Freeze & Fraud Alerts

A credit freeze — also called a security freeze — is the single most effective tool to prevent new account fraud. Since 2018, federal law requires all three major credit bureaus to place and lift freezes for free. A freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your file, so a fraudster cannot open new accounts in your name. A fraud alert is a softer protection that requires creditors to take extra steps to verify identity before extending credit.

State Attorney General Fraud Resources

Every state attorney general operates a consumer protection division that handles fraud complaints not resolved through federal channels. State AGs have authority to bring enforcement actions against businesses and individuals operating within their state. Many coordinate with the FTC through Consumer Sentinel. Find your state AG's consumer protection office using the directory below.

Search by State

Select your state to find state-specific public records resources.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing I should do if my identity is stolen?

Go to IdentityTheft.gov immediately. It is the FTC's official recovery portal and creates a customized recovery plan based on exactly what was stolen. It also generates pre-filled dispute letters for creditors and credit bureaus. Then place a credit freeze with all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) — this is free and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

What is an IP PIN from the IRS and should I get one?

An Identity Protection PIN is a 6-digit number known only to you and the IRS that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security Number. As of 2021, any taxpayer can opt into the IP PIN program at irs.gov — you do not have to be a previous identity theft victim. Given the prevalence of tax refund fraud, getting an IP PIN is strongly recommended for everyone.

How long does it take to recover from identity theft?

The FTC estimates that resolving identity theft takes an average of 6 months to a year and more than 200 hours of work for victims. Complex cases — those involving criminal records, government benefits fraud, or multiple accounts — can take years. Hiring an identity theft attorney or working with a nonprofit consumer law clinic can significantly reduce the time and stress involved.

Is a credit freeze the same as a credit lock?

No. A credit freeze is a federally mandated right governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act — it is free and has strong legal protections. A credit lock is a commercial product offered by the credit bureaus themselves — typically part of a paid monitoring subscription. A freeze is legally stronger and completely free; there is generally no reason to pay for a lock when a freeze provides better protection.

Can I report fraud anonymously?

Yes — the FTC's ReportFraud.gov and the FBI's IC3 both accept anonymous reports. However, anonymous reports are less actionable for investigators because they cannot follow up for more information. For tax fraud involving your own SSN, the IRS requires identity verification. Reports to state attorneys general may also be anonymous but are more useful when you can be contacted.