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Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Bureau of Investigation
Home • About Us • What We Investigate • Cyber Crime • Identity Theft

Identity Theft

Cyber thief with social security card

A stolen identity is a powerful cloak of anonymity for criminals and terrorists…and a danger to national security and private citizens alike.

For the FBI, identity theft is nothing new. We’ve been dealing with criminals faking IDs for decades, from check forgers to fugitives on the run. But the threat is more pervasive and the scams more sophisticated than ever, including new online elements.

We use both our criminal and cyber resources—along with our intelligence capabilities—to identify and stop crime groups in their early stages and to root out the many types of perpetrators, which span our investigative priorities. We also tap into our investigative partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement (including dedicated task forces in major cities) as well as our information-sharing partnerships with every sector of business, government, and education. And we reach out with information and education to make sure identity theft doesn’t happen to you.
In Depth

General Information
- Overview

How to Protect Yourself/Get Help
- Advice from an Agent
- What to Do If You’ve Been Victimized
- Financial Crime and You

Report Identity Theft
- Submit an Online Tip
- Contact Your Local FBI Office
- Report Internet Fraud

Stories & Features
- Phony Document Rings
- Case of the Con Turned Con Artist
- Online Extortion Scam
- House Stealing
- Corporate Identity Theft Case
- Partnership to Protect ID Theft
- Fake ID Racket at Salon