Identity Theft/Privacy Issues
Resources on How to Protect Yourself
Related Organizations and Web Sites | Publications
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission — like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number — to commit fraud or other crimes for personal gain. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a cell phone account in your name, or they may make new charges to existing accounts.
Impersonation Fraud: A fraud that occurs when someone assumes another’s identity to perform a fraud or other criminal act
Resources on How to Protect Yourself
Statement of Rights for Identity Theft Victims
Federal Trade Commission
Basic rights for identity victims and steps to report the crime and limit the loss.
Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
Social Security Administration, August 2009
Specific information concerning protecting your social security number and what to do if someone else is using it.
Identity Theft and Your Tax Records
Internal Revenue Service, December 2009
IRS policies and contact information if you suspect identity fraud in connection with your tax records.
Medical ID Theft
Federal Trade Commission
Brief review of medial fraud, its implications, and how to protect yourself.
Medical Identity Theft
Federal Trade Commission, January 2010
Could identity thieves be using your personal and health insurance information to get medical treatment, prescription drugs or surgery?
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
Federal Trade Commission
The FTC’s comprehensive guide for victims of identity theft. Includes the ID Theft Affidavit.
To Buy or Not To Buy: Identity Theft Spawns New Products and Services to Help Minimize Risk
Federal Trade Commission, 2007
Pamphlet listing some services to minimize the risk of or mitigate the damage done by identity theft.
Your Access to Free Credit Reports
Federal Trade Commission, March 2008
Guide to ordering your free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com
Related Organizations and Web Sites
Don't Be an On-line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Video with tips to protect oneself.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Identity Theft
This section of the FBI Web site presents data and resources related to identity theft.
Identity Theft Resource Center
The Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a national, non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and to broaden public education and awareness in the understanding of identity theft. It is the on-going mission of the ITRC to assist victims, educate consumers, research identity theft and increase public and corporate awareness about this problem.
OnGuard Online
This Web site provides practical tips from the federal government and technology industry to help consumers guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect personal information.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
A nonprofit consumer education and advocacy project whose purpose is to advocate for consumers' privacy rights in public policy proceedings and empower consumers to take action to control their own personal information by providing practical tips on privacy protection.
Federal Trade Commission: Identity Theft Web Site
This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
Publications
Deter, Detect, Defend: Avoid ID Theft
Federal Trade Commission, May 2010
Brochure from the FTC with quick steps to help protect yourself from identity theft.
ID Theft Complaint and Affidavit | en español
Federal Trade Commission
A voluntary form for filing a complaint with the police department.
Chart Your Course of Action
Federal Trade Commission
Chart for you to use to keep track of the steps taken to report the fraudulent use of your identity.