What is a required step in the process of reporting identity theft?

The process of reporting identity theft typically includes several crucial steps, and one of the most important is contacting law enforcement. This step is essential because it creates an official record of the crime, which can help in further investigations and in securing the victim's rights. Law enforcement agencies can take action to trace the theft, potentially recover stolen assets, and assist the victim in navigating the aftermath of the identity theft.

Additionally, involving law enforcement can also provide the victim with a police report, which is often necessary for disputing fraudulent transactions and rectifying the damage caused by the identity theft.

The other options, while they may be part of the broader process or best practices for victims, are not fundamental steps required when an identity theft incident occurs. For example, while providing a copy of a report to the victim or adding a verification mechanism might be useful in some contexts, they are not universally mandated steps in the reporting process. The need for a waiting period does not typically apply in identity theft cases where immediate action is crucial. Thus, contacting law enforcement stands out as a necessary and crucial action to take.