I filed a property tax credit in February, I forgot to sign so I signed what was sent in April my check has been stolen I want it reported.

A) I understand that your property tax credit check has been stolen. Here are the steps you can take to report it:

1. File a police report. This will help you document the theft and may be necessary to file a claim with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
2. Contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. You can do this by phone, mail, or online. They will need the following information from you:
   • Your name, address, and phone number
   • The date your check was stolen
   • The amount of the check
   • The check number
   • The bank on which the check was drawn
   • Any other information you have about the theft
3. Request a stop payment on the check. This will prevent the thief from cashing it.
4. File a claim for a replacement check. You can do this online or by mail. You will need to provide the same information that you provided when you reported the theft.

Again here’s what you can do:

1. Contact Your Bank: If you haven’t done so already, get in touch with your bank to report the stolen check. They can guide you through the process of stopping payment on the check to prevent it from being cashed by someone else.
2. Notify the Issuer: If the check was issued by a government agency, like for a property tax credit, contact the issuing agency as soon as possible to inform them about the situation. They might have specific procedures in place for dealing with stolen checks.
3. File a Police Report: If you believe the check was stolen, it’s a good idea to file a police report. This can help establish a record of the theft and might be required by your bank or the issuing agency as part of their investigation.
4. Monitor Your Account: Keep a close eye on your bank account for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank immediately.
5. Follow Up with the Issuer: Reach out to the agency that issued the check to let them know about the situation. They might be able to assist you with reissuing the check or providing guidance on next steps.
6. Consider Check Tracing: Some banks offer check tracing services that can help determine the status of a check and its whereabouts. Check with your bank to see if this service is available.
7. Identity Theft Protection: If you’re concerned about potential identity theft due to the stolen check, consider taking steps to protect your personal information. This might include monitoring your credit reports and setting up fraud alerts.
8. Request a Replacement Check: If the check was issued for a legitimate purpose and has been confirmed as stolen, inquire with the issuing agency about the possibility of getting a replacement check.
9. Document Everything: Keep records of all your communications, including dates, times, names of individuals you spoke to, and details of what was discussed. This documentation can be useful in case you need to provide evidence of your efforts to resolve the situation.

Remember that the exact steps you need to take might vary based on your location and the specific circumstances of the theft. It’s important to act promptly to minimize any potential financial or identity theft risks. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consider seeking advice from your bank or a legal professional.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will investigate the theft and issue you a replacement check if they determine that you are eligible.

Here are some additional tips to protect yourself from identity theft:

• Place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for someone to open a new account in your name.
• Freeze your credit report. This will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report without your permission.
• Monitor your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity.
• Be careful about what information you share online.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.

I hope this helps