(Sample Identity Theft Dispute Letter)
Below is a sample identity theft dispute letter that a consumer can use to dispute the fraudulent creation of some kind of account in the consumer’s name. This can be a credit card, a loan, or any other kind of account. As always, send this letter via certified mail so that you have proof of mailing.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Name of Company]
[Fraud Department (companies may specify an address to receive fraud dispute letters), or Billing Inquiries Department]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[RE: Your Account Number (if known)]
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am a victim of identity theft. I recently learned that my personal information was used to open an account at your company. I did not open or authorize this account, and I, therefore, request that it be closed immediately. I also request that [Company Name] absolve me of all charges on the account and that you take all appropriate steps to remove information about this account from my credit files.
I demand a copy of information related to the application or account, including a copy of the unauthorized person’s application or application information and a record of transactions or charges associated with the application or account. I also demand the categories of identifying information that the unauthorized person used to complete the application or to open the account.
Enclosed is a copy of my Identity Theft Report supporting my position, and a copy of my credit report showing the fraudulent items related to your company that are the result of identity theft. [Consumers should redact information that is unrelated to the dispute with this company.] Also enclosed is a copy of the FTC Notice to Furnishers of Information, which details your responsibilities as an information furnisher to credit reporting agencies (CRAs). As a furnisher, upon receipt of a consumer’s written request that encloses an Identity Theft Report, you are required to cease furnishing the information resulting from identity theft to any CRA.
The Notice also specifies your responsibilities when you receive notice from a CRA, under section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, that the information you provided to the CRA may be the result of identity theft. Those responsibilities include ceasing to provide inaccurate information to any CRAs and ensuring that you do not attempt to sell or transfer the fraudulent debts to another party for collection.
Please investigate this matter, close the account, and absolve me of all charges, take the steps required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and send me a letter explaining your findings and actions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Enclosures: [List what you are enclosing]
- Identity Theft Report
- Copy of Credit Report
Please note, this is not legal advice, but merely to give an example of what a letter could look like. We highly recommend that you consult with an attorney if you believe that your rights have been violated.
(Sample Identity Theft Dispute Letter)
Below is a sample identity theft dispute letter that a consumer can use to dispute the fraudulent creation of some kind of account in the consumer’s name. This can be a credit card, a loan, or any other kind of account. As always, send this letter via certified mail so that you have proof of mailing.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Name of Company]
[Fraud Department (companies may specify an address to receive fraud dispute letters), or Billing Inquiries Department]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[RE: Your Account Number (if known)]
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am a victim of identity theft. I recently learned that my personal information was used to open an account at your company. I did not open or authorize this account, and I, therefore, request that it be closed immediately. I also request that [Company Name] absolve me of all charges on the account and that you take all appropriate steps to remove information about this account from my credit files.
I demand a copy of information related to the application or account, including a copy of the unauthorized person’s application or application information and a record of transactions or charges associated with the application or account. I also demand the categories of identifying information that the unauthorized person used to complete the application or to open the account.
Enclosed is a copy of my Identity Theft Report supporting my position, and a copy of my credit report showing the fraudulent items related to your company that are the result of identity theft. [Consumers should redact information that is unrelated to the dispute with this company.] Also enclosed is a copy of the FTC Notice to Furnishers of Information, which details your responsibilities as an information furnisher to credit reporting agencies (CRAs). As a furnisher, upon receipt of a consumer’s written request that encloses an Identity Theft Report, you are required to cease furnishing the information resulting from identity theft to any CRA.
The Notice also specifies your responsibilities when you receive notice from a CRA, under section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, that the information you provided to the CRA may be the result of identity theft. Those responsibilities include ceasing to provide inaccurate information to any CRAs and ensuring that you do not attempt to sell or transfer the fraudulent debts to another party for collection.
Please investigate this matter, close the account, and absolve me of all charges, take the steps required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and send me a letter explaining your findings and actions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Enclosures: [List what you are enclosing]
- Identity Theft Report
- Copy of Credit Report
Please note, this is not legal advice, but merely to give an example of what a letter could look like. We highly recommend that you consult with an attorney if you believe that your rights have been violated.
