Resources for Victims
Resources for Victims
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 for Victims
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.
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 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?
National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI)
The Responding to Online Fraud Project was launched by NCVLI to provide victim assistance to victims of internet-related fraud and identity theft. Services provided include resource connection, referrals to legal services and education and prevention.
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.
Taking Action: An Advocate’s Guide to Assisting Victims of Financial Fraud
FINRA Investor Education Foundation, SaveAndInvest.org and National Center for Victims of Crime
This guide is designed to assist victim advocates by providing information on financial fraud generally, as well as action steps that can be taken after an individual has been the victim of fraud.
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
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.
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.
Publications
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.
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.