Resources for Identity Theft

Americans are becoming more aware of the need to protect their private financial information against identity theft. To do this, they can choose from a variety of resources which educate the public about the crime and help them protect their identities, report identity theft activity, or recover from having their identities stolen. The following are free identity theft resources available to consumers online.

Fighting Back Against Identity Theft – Video

This in-depth video is available for viewing or downloading at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website (www.ftc.gov). The video details how thieves acquire personal information about you and what preventative steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

Identity Theft DVD: Outsmarting the Crooks

The U.S. Treasury Department has produced a DVD to educate consumers about identity theft and how to protect themselves. The DVD is a great resource for community organizations and for teachers who want to share the identity theft information with their students. Full details about the DVD are available at: http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/js3087.htm.

Identity Theft: A Guide for Consumers

The National Crime Prevention Council, a private non-profit organization, created this free publication to help prevent identity theft. It includes a rundown of the most common way thieves steal identities, as well as detailed recommendations on what steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft crime. You can obtain a copy at: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/preventidtheft/preventing.htm

Identity Theft Survey Report

Another resource from the FTC, the “Identity Theft Survey Report” discusses in statistical terms the prevalence of identity theft in our society, how thieves access a person’s financial identification data, consumers’ responses to breaches in their private information, how many Americans take advantage of their free annual credit report, and other information. To access the report go to: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2007/11/SynovateFinalReportIDTheft2006.pd

Identity Theft Resource Page

This page discusses steps being taken to strengthen efforts to protect against identity theft, the President’s Task Force on Identity Theft, and government resources about identity theft that are available to consumers. It also contains resource library materials including information on how to obtain your credit report, complete information about online “phishing,” and identity theft tips, forms, and facts. To view this information go to: http://www.treas.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution/cip/identity-theft.shtml

Identity theft protection services:

• IdentityTruth
- IdentityTruth protects your entire identity, going beyond credit. Advanced technology analyzes data, pinpoints potential fraud, and helps you minimize your risk.


• LifeLock Identity Theft Services
- LifeLock provides a proactive identity theft service, specializing in the prevention of identity theft rather than the reporting of it.


• TrustedID
- TrustedID’s® mission is to proactively protect consumers against identity theft, especially as identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. Our innovative flagship product – IDFreeze® - stops identity theft before it ever happens.