Identity Theft


If an Illinois resident has their identity stolen, they are entitled to relief 
under state law. The local police agency must take a police report from the individual and must provide them with a copy of the report to help clear their name. In cases of imposters creating false criminal histories for innocent victims, the law provides a system for clearing their good name and correcting state criminal history records.

If you experience identity theft, consider the following steps, which will help block negative information resulting from fraud and allow you to regain control over your credit records:

  • Gather as much information as you can to dispute credit data or other indications of identity theft.
  • Immediately close all credit card accounts and notify your bank(s) of theft.
  • Report the alleged crime to the local police department and ask the officer to write a police report of the incident.
  • Ask for a copy of the police report and make photocopies.
  • Send a copy of the police report, with a letter of explanation to each of the three major credit bureaus. (Once the credit bureaus receive a copy of the police report, the law requires them to block negative credit information resulting from the alleged fraud).

Click here to download prevention tips, contact information for credit bureaus and a sample letter to send to credit bureaus to inform them that your identity has been stolen. Continue to ask for copies of your credit reports regularly for at least several months to check for any fraudulent accounts.

If your social security number was used fraudulently, report the problem to the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

If you need additional information about Identity Theft and how to utilize the information provided on this website, please contact the office at (618) 692-6280 or SAinfo@madisoncountyil.gov.