Identity Theft

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft complaints nearly doubled between 2010 and 2015. However, the number of identity theft victims and total losses are likely much higher than publicly-reported statistics. It is difficult to provide a precise assessment because different law enforcement agencies may classify identity theft crimes differently and because identity theft can also involve credit card fraud, Internet fraud, or mail theft, among other crimes.

Some of the more prevalent schemes criminals are using these days to steal identities include suspicious e-mail and/or phishing attempts to trick victims into revealing personally identifiable information; “smash and grab” burglaries involving the theft of hard copy driver’s licenses, credit cards, checkbooks, etc.; and computer and network intrusions that result in the loss of personally identifiable information.  FBI.gov

. Personal information that thieves need to steal you identity can include:

  • Address
  • Bank Account Number
  • Birth Date
  • Driver’s License Number
  • Medical Records
  • Mother’s Maiden Name
  • Other “Identifying” Data
  • Social Security Number
  • Your Name

IDTheft.govIdentityTheft.gov is the federal government's one-stop resource for identity theft victims.  The site provides streamlined checklists and small letters to guide you through the recovery process.

IdentityTheft,gov can help you report and recover from identity theft.

 

Online Identity Theft Reporting 

The Greenwich Police Department takes reports of Identity Theft or related fraud activity online.  This form is to be used by a citizen to make the initial report of a case of Identity Theft.  This form is completed under one of the following conditions:

  • You are a resident of Greenwich, or
  • The actual Identity Theft or related fraud occurred within the Town of Greenwich

The completion of the form is the first step of the process.  After completing and mailing the form back to the Greenwich Police Department, you will be contacted by a member of the Greenwich Police Department and advised of the following outcomes:

  • Your report was accepted, in which case a Call for Serice (CFS) number will be issued.  
  • Your report was not accepted, and reasons why and your next steps.

In either case, you will be advised if your complaint will have a further investigative follow-up. Many of these complaints are outside the jurisdiction of the Greenwich Police Department, therefore making investigations not possible.  The crime or theft may be the responsibility of another jurisdiction.  However, a majority of the time the banks, credit card companies or other companies (such as a cell phone carrier) will assume the loss and render you free of any charges once you obtain a police case number.

We recognize that some victims of identity theft are only interested in correcting their credit and/or fraudulent accounts and do not wish to prosecute. In other cases, it is difficult to identify or find enough evidence to prosecute a known suspect for identity theft. Even without prosecution, you can still correct fraudulent accounts and protect your credit. The materials provided below will help you get started. Included are:

  • An Identity Theft/Fraud Online Report for documenting information relevant to the theft.
  • File 10-  An optional reporting form and a consent agreement required by the Connecticut Online Law Enforcement Communications Teleproccesing- COLLECT and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to be used only if you wish to have your case on file in the national identity theft database.  Law enforcement officers routinely query this database to flag stolen identities and identify persons they encounter who may be using false identities. 
    • If you elect to have your profile added to the NCIC/COLLECT Identity Theft file, you will select a password that will identify you as a victim of identity theft with each encounter you may have with law enforcement officers, including traffic stops and every time you travel out of the country. A File 10 will inform the officer of your name, personal descriptors, and password.  If an officer stops you, or someone using your identity, for a traffic stop, the officer will request the password to identify the operator.  If the password isn’t provided, the officer may assume the operator is not the real person and using a false identity. It is important not to forget your password.
  • Links to available resources to help victims of identity theft (PDF)
  • Identity theft statement form (PDF)
    • Note- This form is only used if the officer or detective from the Greenwich Police Department requires you to complete it.  This form can be completed at home but must be signed in the presence of an officer.

Identity Theft Online Form and related Materials

If you want your case investigated and are willing to appear and testify in court if suspects are identified and arrested, please complete the online forms that are relevant to your case.

Online Report for Identity Theft

Online NCIC/COLLECT File 10 Application

Identity Theft Resources (PDF)

Identity Theft Statement Form (PDF)