The holiday season is in full swing, which means more purchases for consumers and more sales for retailers. It’s also the time of year when small businesses and shoppers are most at risk of identity theft and fraud, so it’s no surprise December is National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. 

Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. They add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make important decisions on the spot. One thing that never changes: If it sounds fishy it probably is a scam. 

What do I do if I believe I am the victim of Identity Theft?

• • Notify your bank or credit union, credit card company, and one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian or Trans Union) to notify them that you are a victim of an identity crime.

• • • Contact your local police or sheriff's department and file a criminal complaint.
      If you fall victim to identity theft while using the Internet, you should file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

• • • • Request an Identity Theft Passport from the Office of the Attorney General.
        What ­­is the Attorney General's Identity Theft Passport?
      • The Identity Theft Passport is a card that you can carry and present to law enforcement or other individuals who may challenge you about your identity should you become the victim of identity crime.
      • The Passport is designed to serve as notification to help protect victims from unlawful detention or arrest for crimes committed by another under a stolen identity. An Identity Theft Passport may be available to any Virginian who: Has filed a police report because they believe they are a victim of identity crime; and/or has obtained a court order expunging their record as a result of identity crime

You may download a PDF version of the application for an Identity Theft Passport.  And return to the office via mail, email, or fax:

Address:
Office of the Attorney General
Victim Notification Program
202 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Email:  [email protected]
Fax:  804-786-0991