Identity Theft

If You’ve Had Your ID Stolen

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, there are some important steps for you to follow. The following information from the Midland Police Department will help explain the process for restoring your identity following an identity theft crime.

Below are links to forms that you may need for your efforts to combat identity theft. Once you have contacted the Midland Police Department to make an initial report of identity theft, please complete the following forms before contacting the Detective Bureau:

Victim Resource Information

More helpful information on how to combat identity theft:

Sample Letters

Victims of identity theft can use the sample letters below to notify specific agencies / authorities about the theft. Click on any of these links to open Microsoft Word documents that can be easily saved to your computer for filling in and printing out as needed. If you have questions on these forms, contact the Midland Police Department at 989-839-4708.

Deter, Detect, Defend

The Federal Trade Commission has a program titled "Deter, Detect, Defend". This valuable program will assist you in protecting yourself from identity theft. It will also help assist you in the event you become a victim of identity theft.

Deter

  • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them
  • Protect your Social Security number.
  • DO NOT give out personal information over the phone.
  • Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails.
  • DO NOT use obvious passwords like your birthday, mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Keep your personal information in a secure place.

Detect

Be alert for signs that require immediate attention.

  • Bills that do not arrive as expected.
  • Unexpected credit cards or account statements
  • Denials of credit for no apparent reason.
  • Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.

Inspect

  • Your credit report.
  • Request your annual free credit report.
  • Visit Annual Credit Report to order your free credit report.
  • Review your financial statements.

Defend

As soon as you suspect Identity Theft

  • Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports and review the reports carefully.
  • Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
  • File a police report.
  • Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

If you have additional questions you should either: