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

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 Arizona 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

A.R.S. § 13-2008 (Taking Identity of Another) is a Class 4 felony (1.5-3 years); § 13-2009 (Aggravated Identity Theft) is Class 3 (2.5-7 years) for 3+ victims or losses $3,000+; § 13-2010 (Trafficking) is Class 2 (4-10 years).

4. State Identity Theft Passport / Victim Notification

Arizona does not issue a formal passport but the AG's Office provides victim assistance and notarized affidavits.

5. Restitution & Civil Remedies

Criminal restitution mandatory under A.R.S. § 13-603. Civil claims available under A.R.S. § 44-1376.01 (account opening verification) and common-law fraud.

6. Tax-Related ID Theft

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

7. Child ID Theft

A.R.S. § 44-1698.01 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

A.R.S. § 13-2008 reaches use of "personal identifying information"; Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 1005.6) covers EFTs.

10. Statute of Limitations

Civil tort claims have a 2-year SOL under A.R.S. § 12-542; fraud claims 3 years under § 12-543.

This is legal information, not legal advice.