Q: I feel that I am a victim of identity theft. I discovered that my landlord forged my signature on legal forms to the IRS

A: If you believe you're a victim of identity theft due to your landlord forging your signature on legal forms for IRS and Housing Authority benefits, it's important to take immediate action. The first step is to report the fraud to the local police or law enforcement in your area. This creates a formal record of the incident, which is crucial for any legal action you may need to take later. It's also advisable to contact the IRS directly to report the suspected identity theft. They have specific procedures for dealing with such incidents and can guide you on securing your tax information.

Additionally, reaching out to the Housing Authority to inform them of the fraudulent activities conducted in your name is necessary. They can investigate the matter from their end and take appropriate actions against the wrongdoers. It's important to provide them with all the evidence you have, including any communication with your landlord that might indicate fraudulent intentions.

For further protection, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This alert informs creditors of potential fraud and encourages them to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. Documenting all steps taken, including communications and reports made, will be essential as you navigate through resolving this issue. Remember, acting swiftly can help mitigate the damage caused by identity theft and bring the perpetrators to justice.