Identity Theft and Fraud: What to do
If someone steals your identity or money, reporting it helps the Asheville Police Department track the crime and catch the person responsible.
Common Examples of Fraud
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Credit or Debit Card Abuse: Someone using your card without permission.
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Online Scams: Internet and cryptocurrency scams.
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Benefit Theft: Someone else taking your tax refund or unemployment checks.
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Identity Theft: Someone using your Social Security number or personal information.
If you think you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find the right agency
Some types of fraud are handled by special government groups. Please contact these agencies directly if your issue involves:
- Internet scams: Report to the FBI at ic3.gov
- Mail Theft or Fraud: Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Tax Fraud: Contact the IRS
- Unemployment or Welfare Fraud: Contact NC Health and Human Services or the Division of Employment Security
- Driver’s License or Car Titles: Contact the NC DMV
- Crypto Scams: Report it to the FTC and your crypto exchange company
Step 2: Check if you should file a report with APD
You should file a report with the Asheville Police Department (APD) only if:
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The fraud is not handled by one of the groups in Step 1.
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You live in the City of Asheville, OR the crime happened inside city limits.
Step 3: Gather your information
To file a report, you will need to provide:
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Your ID (driver’s license or state ID).
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Details of what happened, including dates, times, and locations.
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Bank records, copies of fake checks, and account numbers.
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A summary of what you have already reported to your bank.
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The total amount of money lost.
Note: Only provide this information if you want the police to investigate and potentially prosecute the offender.
Step 4: File the report
You can file a report for yourself or your business using the Asheville Police-to-Citizen online reporting tool
Step 5: Protect your credit
Call one of these companies to place a fraud alert on your credit:
- Equifax: (800) 525-6285
- Experian: (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion: (800) 680-7289
You can also visit IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan.
Step 6: Stay updated
If you find more information later, call the Records Unit at (828) 259-5870 or the detective assigned to your case. You can download your report online or call the Records Unit to get a copy for your insurance.
Contact Information
APD Records Unit
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Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
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Phone: 828-259-5870
APD Victim Services Unit
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Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
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Phone: 828-259-5912