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✅ How:
Visit the website of your local police department to file a report.
If your wallet or purse was lost or stolen in another city or state, go to the police department website for that specific location to submit your report there.
Look for a section like “File a Report,” “Online Crime Reporting,” or “Identity Theft.”
Fill out the online form,
After submitting, you’ll receive a case number or report confirmation by email — keep this for your dispute package.
📝 Tip: Some departments only allow online reports if the suspect is unknown or the loss occurred in their jurisdiction. Of course the suspect is unknown because you lost your wallet or purse.
✅ How:
Bring your government ID, proof of address, and documentation showing the fraudulent activity (credit reports, letters, statements, etc.).
Explain that you lost your wallet or purse and are filing a report for identity theft because someone used your personal information to open accounts that now appear on your credit report.
Request a copy of the report or at least the report number before leaving.
📝 Tip: Always remain calm and factual. Some officers may not understand credit-related theft immediately — be ready to explain that FCRA §605B allows you to block fraudulent data with a police report.
Use your passport stamps only for the Passport Stamps Package.
Make clear, legible copies of each passport stamp page.
On each stamp, highlight the exact entry and exit dates that prove you were outside the country during the period when the negative items appeared on your credit profile.
Before mailing your dispute package, make sure it includes clear and legible copies of the following identification documents:
Required Documents:
Government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport)
Proof of current address (Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days)
Social Security card (optional, but recommended if the credit bureaus request verification)
If applicable:
Passport stamps showing international travel during the disputed period (highlight entry and exit dates clearly)
Police report and/or FTC Identity Theft Affidavit (if filing an identity theft or Passport Stamps dispute)
Tips for Submission:
Send copies only — never send original documents.
Make sure all documents are easy to read and not blurry.
At the top of each letter it should include your full name, just in case the pages get separated.
Keep a complete copy of the package for your personal records before mailing.
Prepare Your Packages
Include:
The correct Cover Letter (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion)
Your Dispute Letter
Supporting Documents (copies of ID, proof of address, credit report pages, police report, etc.)
Place documents in a large 9×12 envelope to avoid folding.
Write the credit bureau’s address clearly on the front and your return address in the top left corner.
Visit the Post Office
Ask for a Certified Mail Form (PS Form 3800) — green and white label with barcode.
Fill it out, attach the barcode to your envelope, and keep the tracking receipt with your Certified Mail number.
This receipt gives you proof of mailing and proof of delivery once the item arrives.
Return Receipt (Green Card) – Optional
The green card (PS Form 3811) is mainly used by lawyers, courts, or government agencies that require a signed hard copy as proof of delivery.
For your dispute packages, Certified Mail proof is all that’s necessary.
The USPS tracking confirmation showing “Delivered” serves as official, legally valid evidence that the credit bureau received your documents.
Skipping the green card can save you $3–$4 per mailing.
Pay for Postage
Certified Mail usually costs $7–$10 per package (depending on weight).
You can pay at the counter or print postage online at www.usps.com.
Keep All Proof
Save your receipt and tracking number.
Once delivered, print or screenshot the USPS “Delivered” confirmation.
Keep copies of everything you send for at least one year.
Prepare Your Documents
Combine your cover letter, dispute letter, and supporting documents into one clear PDF file.
Choose a Verified e-Certified Provider
Trusted options include:
Upload your PDF, enter the credit bureau’s address, and pay online (usually $5–$8 per package).
Select “Certified Mail – Electronic Return Receipt”
You’ll receive a digital copy of the delivery confirmation and signature.
This serves as official proof of delivery and meets all dispute documentation requirements.
Return Receipt – Optional
The traditional paper “green card” is not necessary with e-Certified Mail.
You’ll receive digital delivery confirmation and a signed PDF directly via email — fully valid and legally recognized.
Certified Mail proof is all that’s necessary for your credit bureau disputes.
Keep Your Records
Save all email confirmations, receipts, and delivery PDFs.
Store copies of everything sent in a folder labeled Credit Bureau Disputes – [Month, Year].
☐ Full Legal Name
☐ Current Address
☐ Previous Address (if moved in past 2 years)
☐ Date of Birth
☐ Last Four Digits of SSN
☐ Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License or Passport)
☐ Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Bank Statement, or Lease Agreement)
📎 Attach copies — not originals.
☐ Go to https://www.identitytheft.gov
☐ Complete the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit online
☐ Download the completed PDF
☐ Print and sign the affidavit (if possible)
☐ Save a digital copy for your records
📎 Attach one copy to each dispute letter sent to the bureaus or creditors.
☐ Copy of Government-Issued ID
☐ Copy of Proof of Address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
☐ Copy of Credit Report showing the fraudulent account(s)
☐ Any police report or case number (optional but strengthens your case)
📎 The more documentation you include, the faster your dispute may be processed.
☐ Experian – P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
☐ Equifax – P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
☐ TransUnion – P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000
📎 Include the following with each letter:
Copy of FTC Affidavit
Proof of ID
Proof of Address
Highlighted section of your credit report showing the error
Certified mail or Electronic Certified mail receipt (after sending)
💡 Mark each bureau letter as SENT once mailed.
☐ Contact each creditor or collection agency reporting fraudulent accounts
☐ Send a Creditor Identity Theft Letter with a copy of your FTC Affidavit
☐ Request permanent deletion or closure of fraudulent accounts
☐ Ask for written confirmation that your account has been removed or marked “fraudulent.”
📎 Keep a record of all correspondence.
☐ Create a folder labeled “Identity Theft Package”
☐ Store copies of all letters, receipts, and responses
☐ Log:
Date each letter was sent
Tracking number (certified mail)
Response dates from bureaus/creditors
Resolution (Deleted / Verified / Pending)
💡 Use a spreadsheet or tracking tool to manage follow-ups.
☐ Wait 30 days for credit bureau reinvestigation results
☐ Review updated credit reports for deletions
☐ If any fraudulent accounts remain, send follow-up letters referencing FCRA §605B (failure to block).
☐ Consider placing a Fraud Alert or Security Freeze with all bureaus.
When sending your Identity Theft Package, each bureau or creditor packet should include:
✅ Cover letter (specific to Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, or Creditor)
✅ Copy of FTC Identity Theft Affidavit
✅ Proof of ID
✅ Proof of Address
✅ Copy of credit report showing fraudulent item(s)
✅ Certified mail receipt