Government Resources for Identity Theft

It’s an unfortunate fact that identity theft is on the rise in America. But for those who want to learn more about this crime to protect themselves from becoming victims, there are many government resources available on the Internet that provide details and guidance to consumers on every aspect of identity theft.

Federal Trade Commission

When Congress enacted the “Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act” which made identity theft a federal crime, it made the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) responsible for taking complaints from identity theft victims, sharing complaints with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and providing guidance to individuals to help them restore their credit histories. To this end, the FTC’s web site is one of the best resources available to learn more about identity theft, to report it if you know your identity has been stolen, or if you simply suspect you may be the victim of identity theft.

To access the FTC’s information, simply click on the “Avoid ID Theft” banner on the web site’s home page to view videos, pamphlets, and content to help you understand identity theft, how to protect yourself from the crime, and how to take steps to report your suspicions or proof of fraudulent activity.

Postal Inspectors

While the numbers of identity theft crimes that occur as a result of mail theft represent only a small percentage of the total number of cases, if you suspect identity theft, mail theft, fraud, or a false change of your postal address, you can file a report at the postal inspectors website. You’ll also find helpful links to learn more about money order scams, Internet scams, fake sweepstakes, check fraud, and victim’s rights.

President’s Task Force on Identity Theft

In May 2006, President Bush created the President’s Task Force on Identity Theft to help fight against this crime. The web site for the task force includes the report, “Combating Identity Theft: A Strategic Plan” — available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format — which outlines solutions to help consumers keep their financial information beyond the reach of potential identity thieves.

Social Security Administration

This web site offers information about what to do if you think someone is using your social security number. The Social Security Administration can review your earning statements to assess if the information reported is accurate and, in extreme cases, may issue you a new social security number.