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

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 Wisconsin 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

Wis. Stat. § 943.201 (Unauthorized Use of an Individual's Personal Identifying Information or Documents) is a Class H felony, up to 6 years and $10,000 fine.

4. State Identity Theft Passport / Victim Notification

Wisconsin does not issue a formal passport but the Wisconsin DOJ Office of Privacy Protection assists victims with documentation and complaint handling.

5. Restitution & Civil Remedies

Wis. Stat. § 895.446 authorizes civil suit for $200 minimum or actual damages (whichever greater), exemplary damages of treble, plus attorney's fees and costs. Criminal restitution under Wis. Stat. § 973.20.

6. Tax-Related ID Theft

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

7. Child ID Theft

Wis. Stat. § 100.54(8) 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 943.201 reaches use of "personal identifying information"; Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 1005.6) covers EFTs.

10. Statute of Limitations

Civil claims under § 895.446 follow Wisconsin's 6-year SOL, Wis. Stat. § 893.93.

This is legal information, not legal advice.