Proving that you are a victim of identity theft can sometimes be a challenge. Creditors, quite reasonably, need proof that a transaction was unauthorized or that an account was opened fraudulently before they will credit you for that transaction or absolve you of responsibility for that account.

Credit card applications or other transaction records related to the identity theft may help you prove that you are a victim. For example, you can show that the signature on an application isn't yours. Plus these documents may contain information about the identity thief that is valuable to law enforcement.

By law, companies must give you a copy of the application or other business transaction records relating to your identity theft, as long as you submit your request in writing. Be sure to ask the company representative where you should mail your request. Companies must provide these records at no charge to you within 30 days after they receive your request and your supporting documents.

You also may give permission to any law enforcement agency to get these records, or ask in your written request that a copy of these records be sent to a particular law enforcement officer.

Supporting documents the company may require: