Identity Theft Resources

When you've had your identity stolen, it's hard to know exactly what to do or where to turn. But take comfort in knowing that you're not alone, and there are numerous resources out there that can help. Here's a list of the major ones that you should start with:

Federal Trade Commission

The FTC is the government agency that handles consumer complaints of identity theft. All victims of identity theft should file an online complaint with the FTC. The website also contains extremely useful and accurate information geared specifically toward identity theft victims, or those who think they may be victims.

Identity Theft Resource Center

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a nonprofit, nationally respected organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding and prevention of identity theft.  The ITRC provides consumer and victim support as well as public education.

Internet Crime Complaint Center

If you think you are a victim of a cyber crime, visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities, including the FBI, of suspected criminal or civil violations.

Identity Theft 911

Identity Theft 911 publishes an extensive online Identity Theft Knowledge Center. It includes recent threat alerts, fraud research, and white papers. 

Identity Theft Assistance Center

The Identity Theft Assistance Center (ITAC) helps consumers through identity theft victim assistance and shares knowledge with consumers to help prevent identity theft.

National Crime Prevention Center

The National Crime Prevention Center (NCPC) has produced a booklet in PDF format discussing identity theft.

United States Department of Justice

The US Department of Justice (USDOJ) discusses identity theft and identity fraud, and what they are doing to stop the widespread crime.

Identity theft and fraud information from the three credit reporting agencies:
Equifax
Experian
TransUnion

Ways to Protect Your Privacy

You might be surprised to know that the credit bureaus can sell your information to credit card companies and insurers. While they aren’t legally allowed to share the contents of your credit report, the credit bureaus can provide marketers with your name and address if you meet a certain criteria. Many of the “pre-approved” offer letters you receive in the mail are a result of the credit bureaus sharing your information with the credit card companies.

To remove yourself from these lists, call (888) 5-OPTOUT or (888) 567-8688 or go online to www.optoutprescreen.com.

Another way to protect your privacy: get on the national Do Not Call Registry. Call (888) 382-1222 or go online to www.donotcall.gov.