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What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is a general term to describe crimes that occur when a person poses as another person or business to commit crimes. The crimes range from the simple fraudulent use of a stolen credit cards or checks to false impersonation of another, in which the criminal completely assumes the identity of another.

The following are the steps you should take when you discover you are a victim of Identity Theft or Fraud. Once you make your report, return to this page for additional information.

1. Make a police report to your law enforcement agency where you live or to the City or County where the fraudulent activity occurred.

• Fresno PD takes the majority of ID theft reports online.  Report your crime at www.fresno.gov/reportcrime

2. Help the police identify who is using your identity!
ID theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation. Due to the overabundance of crimes reported in Fresno, we do not have sufficient personnel to obtain evidence in every reported case. Video evidence is necessary to identify who is committing the crime. However, businesses only retain the video for a limited amount of time, usually 14-60 days. Therefore, we need help from the victims to help in obtaining the video. Without your help, we may not review your case until the evidence has been destroyed. Click the title for information and forms which will help us get the evidence.

3. We need supporting documents to prove the criminal activity occurred.  Send copies of statements, letters, credit report, social security statements, etc to the Fresno Police Department. Include your case number on the documents.  For online reports, please wait to send your documents until after you receive your Permanent Case Number by email.  If the number begins with the letter "T" the number is temporary and your documents will wait to be reviewed until we have time to research and locate the permanent number, this will slow down your case.

• Some documents include accurate information along with the fraudulent information.  We cannot tell what is fraudulent or accurate, but you can.  Be sure to clearly asterisk * or mark the fraudulent activity.  Do not use highlighters as it does not copy.  Attaching an explanations is also helpful.
• If the offense is a check offense we need the front and back of the check
• If you have cancelled checks from the bank, and they have fingerprints on them, we need the origional checks
• Be sure you keep a copy of the information you sent us
• Include your case number on the documants you send

Send documents to the Fresno Police Department
Mail to the Fresno Police Department, Financial Crimes Unit, 2323 Mariposa Mall, Fresno, CA  93715

4. Complete the PC 530.8 waiver form to give Fresno PD the right to obtain evidence in your case without a search warrant. If there is more than one business involved, complete multiple forms. If unknown, leave the business name blank.  This requires you include the permanent case number which will be emailed to you

5. Protect yourself from further victimization!

6.  Report your crime to the National Database. 

• The Federal Trade Commission maintains a national database to track ID theft related crimes. More importantly, they research this database to look for crime patterns. Use this link to report your crime.
• If the Internet or computer was used to facilitate any crime, please report the crime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. This database is operated by the FBI. They will also provide crime pattern information to local agencies. If the crime is part of a nationwide pattern, the FBI can choose to investigate the crime. Report your internet crime here. 
• If you sent money to another country, the Fresno Police Department cannot investigate. The Federal Trade Commission has a relationship with some countries and they will share this information with them. Use this link to report international crimes.

Information and Resources:

Preventing ID theft or catching the fraud earlyis the best approach. Many victims do not even realize they have been victims for over a year, making the crime harder to investigate. Victims must spend their own time to fix the damage to their credit and try to recoup losses. The national average is for an ID theft victim to spend 600 hours on their crime. It’s better to prevent the crime or catch the ID theft early. There are many methods that you can use to reduce your chances of being a victim and easy ways to catch the crime early. Click the title for ideas.

ID theft resources: The Federal Trade Commission provides up to date information about Identity theft. Click here to go to for several internet resources. Websites for victims

Get a copy of your report and keep copies of everything related to your crime:
How do I get a copy of my police report?

• An online report will be sent to you by email.
• If you did not make an online report, you must contact our records section.
• By telephone 559 621-2534
• In person at FPD Headquarters. 2323 Mariposa, Fresno 10-2 Monday through Friday. Be aware, the lines are long and you could wait several hours.

Crime Trends in Fresno related to ID Theft and Frauds: 

Other important contact information for Financial Crimes

• Mail to the Fresno Police Department, Financial Crimes Unit, 2323 Mariposa Mall, Fresno, CA. 93715
• Scan and Email to FinancialCrimes@fresno.gov
• Fax to 559 621-6332 … fax machines may degrade the copy. Be sure you are using a clean or high quality machine.

Include your permanent case number when you fax documents.  When you make your report, you will be given a temporary number that starts with the letter T.  Your report will be reviewed to ensure it meets the reporting requirements.  Once approved, FPD will email you your report with the permanent case number

Frequently asked questions:  (Under Construction)