Do Police Actually Investigate Identity Theft?

Yes, police do investigate identity theft—but only if specific conditions are met, such as substantial financial loss, clear evidence, or links to organized crime. Cases with insufficient documentation or those falling below dollar thresholds often receive minimal attention from under-resourced local departments.

Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2025

Identity theft remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S., affecting millions annually. In 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 1.1 million identity theft complaints—yet only about 25% of victims filed police reports, and fewer than 5% of those cases led to arrests, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

These numbers expose a frustrating truth: victims often report the crime, only to be met with silence. So what really determines whether your case is investigated?

We dive deep into how law enforcement handles identity theft in 2025, supported by real-world case studies, legal mandates, and expert insights to help victims take charge of the process.

When Do Police Investigate Identity Theft?

1. Large-Scale or High-Profile Cases

Law enforcement prioritizes identity theft when:

• There’s significant financial loss (often over $5,000),
  
• Organized criminal groups are involved,
  
• Or concrete evidence (like surveillance footage or IP logs) is available.

Case Study:
The Emporia Police Department dismantled an ID theft ring involving fake IDs and unlicensed dental practices, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of $6,000 in cash.
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Secret Service and Metropolitan Police arrested a suspect linked to aggravated identity theft and wire fraud.

“We simply don’t have the capacity to chase every $500 scam,” says Detective Linda Chavez, a financial crimes officer in Dallas. “But when victims bring solid evidence, we can act much faster.”

2. Tax-Related Identity Theft

The IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance (IDTVA) program handles most tax-related identity theft, but local police may assist when physical evidence is needed. However, resolution remains slow, averaging 506 days due to a backlog of 447,000 cases.

3. Synthetic Identity Fraud

This sophisticated fraud blends real and fake personal information, making it harder to detect. In 2024, police investigated a scheme where fake Uber accounts were created using stolen driver’s license data, leading to tax fraud charges.

Related article: How to File a Police Report for Identity Theft in Texas?

Legal Framework: What Police Are Required to Do

Federal Mandates

The FTC requires victims to:

• File a report on IdentityTheft.gov,
  
• Submit the FTC Identity Theft Report to their local police department,
  
• And attach supporting documents (proof of ID, address, and fraud evidence).

The Department of Justice echoes this guidance, stating victims must “bring documented proof to law enforcement to trigger a formal complaint.”

State Laws: Duty to Investigate

Some states legally compel police to take action:

• Connecticut (C.G.S. § 54-1n): Police “shall accept such complaint, prepare a police report on the matter … and investigate such alleged violation.”
  
• Similar laws exist in Wisconsin, New York, and others, though enforcement quality varies.

Why Most Cases Get Ignored

1. Resource Constraints

Local departments often lack cybercrime units or financial crime expertise. In one Maryland case, a victim reported $18,000 in fraud—but police declined to investigate due to jurisdictional limits.

2. Jurisdictional Barriers

Identity theft is often cross-border. In D.C., Chilean nationals involved in identity fraud required federal coordination between the Secret Service and local agencies.

3. Low Dollar Amounts

Many departments triage cases:

• Under $1,000: Often just a log entry.
  
• Over $5,000: May trigger a detective assignment.

“If it’s under a few grand and there’s no footage or paper trail, it probably won’t move forward,” admits Lt. Carlos Menendez, a financial crimes unit supervisor.

What Victims Can Do to Get Police Attention

Step 1: Create a Thorough Evidence Package

• Print your FTC Identity Theft Report and recovery plan.
  
• Gather:
  
  • Credit reports showing fraudulent accounts,
    
  • Transaction logs,
    
  • Bank statements,
    
  • Email/IP logs,
    
  • And a clear victim statement with dates, merchants, and losses.

Step 2: Deliver It in Person (If Possible)

Present your file directly to a local officer and request a detailed police report, attaching your FTC affidavit and the “Memo to Law Enforcement” from IdentityTheft.gov.

What Happens After You File

• Case Number: Usually issued immediately for in-person filings.
  
• Investigator Contact: Should occur within 7–14 business days. If not, escalate.
  
• Certified Report: Needed to place credit freezes and extended fraud alerts. Fees typically range from $5–$15.

When to Escalate Beyond Local Police

1. File With Your State Attorney General

For example, Connecticut’s AG will intervene in unresolved identity theft complaints.

2. Submit to Federal Agencies

Use the:

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for cyberfraud,
  
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for bank-related fraud,
  
• Or the DOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) for federal service issues.

3. Partner With Advocacy Groups

Organizations like the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) can help mediate with police and provide legal referrals.

Real-World Successes—and Setbacks

Success: Local Arrest for $800 Scam

A victim in Ohio secured an arrest after submitting timestamped IP logs and detailed merchant communication—showing that solid documentation works, even for small-dollar cases.

Limitation: 33% of Victims See No Resolution

A 2025 survey found that one-third of victims never see their cases resolved, often due to poor evidence or resource constraints.

Know Your Legal Options

Restitution & Injunctions

Some courts may:

• Award financial restitution,
  
• Issue protective orders to stop further misuse of your personal info.

Civil Lawsuits

If criminal remedies stall, victims can sue under:

• The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (18 U.S.C. § 1028),
  
• Or state unfair trade practices laws.

Final Takeaway: Police Do Investigate—If You Force Their Hand

While identity theft investigations remain inconsistent, victims who prepare evidence-rich reports, leverage federal tools, and escalate strategically are far more likely to see justice.

“Don’t just file a report—build a case,” says Rebecca Harmon, a cybersecurity legal analyst. “Your evidence, not the dollar amount, often determines whether police take action.”

What to Do Now

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file your report and download your recovery plan.
Compile all documentation before visiting your local department.
Escalate to state or federal agencies if you hear nothing within two weeks.
Consider legal help or advocate services for unresolved cases.

Remember: Police can investigate identity theft. But you must make it impossible for them to ignore.