Identity theft is a serious crime. It involves theft and fraud, and it can make your life miserable. Therefore, you should report occurrences of identity theft to the authorities. First, file a police report with your local law-enforcement agency. Let them know that you've had your identity stolen, and provide documentation, including information on accounts affected by the theft. You should also try to file a report in the jurisdiction where the identity thief lives, if you have that information.

You should also inform the FTC that you are a victim of identity theft. While the FTC does not necessarily follow up on your case, they do keep records of identity-theft cases nationally. With enough information, the FTC and other regulators can better fight identity theft.