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

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 Massachusetts agency; M.G.L. c. 266 § 37E(f) requires acceptance in your home jurisdiction. (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 and M.G.L. c. 93 § 62A.

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)). M.G.L. c. 93 §§ 50-68 mirrors many FCRA protections.

3. State Identity Theft Statute

M.G.L. c. 266 § 37E (Identity Fraud) is punishable by up to 2.5 years in HOC or 5 years state prison and $5,000 fine. Aggravated identity theft under § 37E(f) carries enhanced penalties.

4. State Identity Theft Passport / Victim Notification

Massachusetts does not issue a formal passport but the AG's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division provides victim assistance. Breach notification rights under M.G.L. c. 93H.

5. Restitution & Civil Remedies

Civil claims available under M.G.L. c. 93A § 9 (Consumer Protection Act, double or treble damages, attorney's fees) and common-law fraud. Criminal restitution under M.G.L. c. 258B.

6. Tax-Related ID Theft

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

7. Child ID Theft

M.G.L. c. 93 § 62A 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 37E reaches use of "personal identifying information"; Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 1005.6) covers EFTs.

10. Statute of Limitations

Chapter 93A claims have a 4-year SOL; tort claims 3 years under M.G.L. c. 260 § 2A.

This is legal information, not legal advice.