Identity Theft Prevention
The chances are that you or someone you know has been the victim of identity theft. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission estimates that identity theft affects 9 million Americans each year. So prepare yourself, and use the sites in this guide to prevent identity theft.
Expand All Guide SectionsIdentity Theft Prevention Resources
Insight for Identity Theft Prevention
- Criminals are increasingly using the practice of online "phishing" to steal identities. Phishing is the attempt to obtain personal and financial information by pretending to be a legitimate company or organization. Phishing can be accomplished through Web sites or e-mail, so be cautious no matter what you're doing online. In general, you can thwart phishing attempts simply by being wary of any unsolicited requests for any of your personal information, especially account numbers and passwords. Read more about phishing on the sites featured in this section.
- Someone who steals your personal information can open and use other lines of credit in your name. See the sites below for information on how you can check your credit report quickly and easily.
Top Sites for Identity Theft Prevention
For general information on ID theft ...
The Internet Fraud Watch
site has an enormous amount of information regarding all aspects of fraud. Click on the "Identity Theft—Tips to Avoid" link for ID theft specific info.
For true stories of ID theft ...
The Better Business Bureau
offers up some real-life testimonial horror stories of identity theft victims in order to convince you that this can happen to you. This trusted Web site deals with online businesses and consumers, offering tips and information to help you shop online without being scammed.
Looks Too Good to Be True
educates consumers about Internet fraud with stories, tips and consumer alerts. The site is funded by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
For information on phishing ...
PhishingInfo.org
, sponsored by the National Consumers League, provides accessible information to people who know little to nothing about "phishing." The League's other Web sites include Fraud.org (see above) and StopChildLabor.org.
Anti-Phishing Working Group
is a technology industry group working to eliminate the threat of phishing. Aimed at users with a general knowledge of "techie" jargon, this site provides good links to recent news articles, graphs, and analysis of current phishing trends. This site also has a very useful archive of phishing attacks that lets you see what these fraudulent e-mails actually look like.
For online access to your annual credit report ...
Annual Credit Report
offers consumers a secure channel for ordering, viewing and printing their free annual credit report online. Viewing your credit report can clue you into fraudulent credit cards, loans and other types of identity theft.
If you believe your identity might have been stolen ...
FTC.gov
's identity theft site provides very good answers to important questions such as what to do if the police decline to take your report, or whether you should apply for a new Social Security number. It's a very clearly and comprehensively written, step-by-step guide for recent victims of identity theft.
The United States Department of Justice
lists the necessary steps a victim of identity theft must take, including how to contact the three main credit report companies, as well as the many options for help available online, including one for Canada.
The Identity Theft Resource Center
is a reassuring site if you think your identity has been stolen, with fact sheets, "Victim Solutions," and state and local resources that will take you step by step through the process of reclaiming your life. A list of what you need to do can be found here, but if you need more direct help you can contact the Center by phone or e-mail.
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