Updated October 23, 2011
Identity theft, or ID theft, ranks as one of the most troubling and potentially crippling financial problems suffered by consumers. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes that end up draining your pocketbook and wrecking your credit.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Fortunately, the U.S. government, through the Federal Trade Commission has developed a slate of resources to help consumers prevent and recover from identity theft.
FTC Identity Theft Website
A one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. Consumers can learn how to avoid identity theft - and what to do if their identity is stolen. Businesses can learn to help their customers deal with identity theft and prevent problems in the first place. Law enforcement officials will find resources that help victims of identity theft.
FTC Identity Theft YouTube Video Series
A series of short educational videos that help consumers learn more about identity theft, phishing, reducing spam, and protecting their computers against identity thieves and "spyware."
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
A partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) takes complaints on a wide array of cyber crimes, including identity theft, online extortion, hacking, money laundering and more. "The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations."
OnGuard Online Games
Test your "cyber smarts" cyber with interactive games on everything from phishing and computer security to social networking and email scams.
Free Annual Credit Reports (AnnualCreditReport.com)
No, really free. No subscriptions, memberships or service charges. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to your credit report for free from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies -- Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion -- every 12 months. AnnualCreditReport.com, from the FTC, is the ONLY authorized source for the free annual credit report guaranteed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
