FTC Identity Theft Affidavit
The federally-recognized affidavit consumers file at IdentityTheft.gov to invoke FCRA §605B fraud-block protections.
The FTC Identity Theft Affidavit is the formal sworn statement consumers file at IdentityTheft.gov documenting identity theft. Filing takes ~20 minutes; the affidavit is the legal instrument required to invoke FCRA §605B's 4-business-day fraud block at credit bureaus.
The affidavit lists the fraudulent accounts, charges, or inquiries; certifies the consumer did not open them; and creates a federally-recognized record. Bureaus must accept the affidavit (paired with photo ID + proof of address) as the documentation needed to block fraudulent items.
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Related terms
FCRA §605B requires bureaus to block fraudulent identity-theft accounts within 4 business days of receiving the consumer's affidavit.
Unauthorized use of personal identifying information to open credit accounts or commit fraud.
An FCRA-mandated flag on a consumer's credit file requiring identity verification before new credit is extended.
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