What can I do if I'm a victim of identity theft in Alabama?

1. Immediate Steps

(a) File an FTC Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov with the FTC Affidavit. (b) File a police report with your local Alabama agency. (c) Place a fraud alert with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. (d) Place a credit freeze at all three bureaus, free under 15 U.S.C. § 1681c-1.

2. FCRA Rights

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., provides blocking (§ 1681c-2), disputes (§ 1681i), and records access (§ 1681g(e)).

3. State Identity Theft Statute

Ala. Code § 13A-8-192 (Identity Theft) is a Class B felony (2-20 years, up to $30,000 fine); trafficking in stolen identities under § 13A-8-194 is Class A felony.

4. State Identity Theft Passport / Victim Notification

Alabama does not issue a formal passport but the AG's Consumer Protection Division provides victim assistance and notarized affidavits.

5. Restitution & Civil Remedies

Ala. Code § 13A-8-199 allows civil suit for $5,000 minimum or actual damages (whichever greater), equitable relief, and reasonable attorney's fees. Criminal restitution under Ala. Code § 15-18-65.

6. Tax-Related ID Theft

File IRS Form 14039 and request an IP PIN at IRS.gov; notify the Alabama Department of Revenue.

7. Child ID Theft

Ala. Code § 8-35-1 et seq. allows protected consumer freezes for minors, free of charge.

8. Medical ID Theft

Notify insurer and request HIPAA accounting (45 C.F.R. § 164.528).

9. Synthetic Identity / Account Takeover

Section 13A-8-192 reaches use of "identifying information"; Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 1005.6) covers EFTs.

10. Statute of Limitations

Civil claims under § 13A-8-199 follow Alabama's 2-year tort SOL, Ala. Code § 6-2-38.

This is legal information, not legal advice.