To secure your identity immediately, follow these procedural steps: Get an identity protection PIN | Internal Revenue Service

: This is the primary document used to prove you are a victim. You can create it at IdentityTheft.gov , the federal government's official one-stop resource. This report is essential for blocking fraudulent information from your credit report.

: While not always required, a formal police report from your local department serves as secondary evidence of the crime. It is often needed to request an extended seven-year fraud alert on your credit files.

Depending on the type of fraud, you should prioritize these official documents:

If you suspect identity theft or need to document a fraud claim, there are several critical "papers"—official forms and affidavits—you may need to file with government agencies and creditors. Essential Identity Fraud Documentation