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

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 Michigan agency; MCL 445.79a entitles you to file 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.

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

MCL 445.65 (Identity Theft Protection Act) makes identity theft a felony punishable by up to 5 years and $25,000 fine; second offense up to 10 years, third up to 15 years.

4. State Identity Theft Passport / Victim Notification

Michigan does not issue a formal passport, but the AG's Identity Theft Unit assists victims and provides documentation to clear records.

5. Restitution & Civil Remedies

MCL 445.67a authorizes civil suit for actual damages, equitable relief, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Criminal restitution available under MCL 780.766.

6. Tax-Related ID Theft

File IRS Form 14039 and enroll in the IRS IP PIN program at IRS.gov; notify the Michigan Department of Treasury.

7. Child ID Theft

MCL 445.1721 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

MCL 445.65 covers use of "personal identifying information"; Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 1005.6) covers EFTs.

10. Statute of Limitations

Civil claims under § 445.67a follow Michigan's 3-year tort SOL, MCL 600.5805.

This is legal information, not legal advice.