Cybercrime Online - Identty Theft

Identity Theft Forum

Identity Theft and Assumption

Deterrence Act

Video
A 10-minute educational video that provides an overview of identity theft and outlines the steps consumers can take

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime where someone wrongly gets and uses another individual’s personal data, usually for financial gain. Your name, social security number, credit card information, checking and banking data, employment records, credit reports, telephone calling card or phone number -- these are the most common types of information that are compromised in an identity theft incident. Once the thief gets this type of information, he can use it to buy, charge, and otherwise ‘steal’ things pretending to be another person.

Types of Identity Theft

Prevent Identity Theft

Protect your Social Security number

Treat your trash and mail carefully

Be on guard when using the Internet

Select intricate passwords

Verify sources before sharing information

Safeguard your purse and wallet

Store information in secure locations

Identify Identity Theft

Many consumers learn they their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done.

You may find out when bill collection agencies contact you for overdue debts debts you never incurred.
You may find out when you apply for a mortgage or car loan and learn that problems with your credit history are holding up the loan.
You may find out when you get something in the mail about an apartment you never rented, a house you never bought, or a job you never held.

The best way to find out is to monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis. If you check your credit report regularly, you may be able to limit the damage caused by identity theft.

Reporting Identity Theft

You can file a complaint with the FTC using the online complaint form; or call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.

Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional information or problems.

File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Learn more about Identity Theft

7 Tips for preventing Identity Theft

Identity Theft complaint data

Fighting Back against Identity Theft

How to freeze your credit files

Identity Theft

The Aftermath

Identity Theft

The emotional impact

Identity Theft Affadavit

Identity Theft Victim Checklist

If you become the victim

of Identity Theft

Organizing your Identity Theft case

Law Enforcements response to Identity Theft

Remedying the effects of

Identity Theft

Requesting information on

fraudulent accounts

Top 10 tips for
Identity Theft Protection

Your social security number.

Controlling the key to Identity Theft

Identity Theft News

Major Global Effort Under Way to Counter Fraud Scam

http://allafrica.com/stories/200210010408.html

Identity Theft Links

	Federal Trade Commission - Identity Theft - http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ The U.S. government's central website for information about identity theft.
	ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm Tips from the Federal Trade Commission.
	U.S. Department of Justice: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud - http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html Features programs, prevention, and remedial steps after the crime.
	Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - Identity Theft Resources - http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm Articles and related links on what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.
	California Office of Privacy Protection: Identity Theft - http://www.privacy.ca.gov/cover/identitytheft.htm Includes printable prevention tips, victim check list, and identity theft affidavit.

Identity Theft Resource Center - http://www.idtheftcenter.org/
Features detailed guides for victims, current laws, media resources, and reference library.

Invasion of the ID Snatchers - http://www.nclnet.org/privacy/idtheft/index.htm
Online booklet from the National Consumers League.

Call For Action: Identity Theft - http://www.callforaction.org/publications/id_theft/
Features warning signs, preventative measures, and victim information and resources.

U.S. Postal Inspection Services: Identity Theft - http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/idthft_ncpw.htm
Features tips and brochures for prevention and for victims of the crime.

Georgia Stop Identity Theft Network - http://www.stopidentitytheft.org/
Features programs, participants, FAQ, victim's checklist, and resources.

FDIC Consumer News: When a Criminal's Cover Is Your Identity - http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum00/idthft.html
Tips for prevention and for victims.

Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act - http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/itada/itadact.htm
Full text of the United States national identity theft law.

PhoneBusters: Identity Theft - http://www.phonebusters.com/english/recognizeit_identitythe.html
Includes victim information, a list of scams, statistics on the crime, and prevention tips.

Better Business Bureau - Stopping Identity Theft: Protecting Your Privacy - http://www.bbb.org/alerts/Idtheft.asp
Articles for consumers and businesses.

RCMP Frauds and Scams: Identity Theft - http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams/identity_e.htm
Tips from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.