Resources
Identity theft online resources
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Fighting back against identity theft – The FTC has launched one of the most impressive efforts to battle identity theft. The www.ftc.gov/idtheft website is a very thorough guide with a large volume of information that addresses this issue as it applies not only to individuals but businesses and military personnel as well.
The FTC has put together a suite of manuals and guides and lauched a nationwide educational campaign under the slogan “Deter, Detect, Defend” to fight this growing crime.
- File a complaint with the FTC if your identity has been stolen.
- FTC Identity Theft resources in Spanish
Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
The ITRC are committed to providing the best possible assistance to victims of identity theft free of charge. The ITRC also has educational programs for individual consumers, corporations, government agencies and other organizations. With a strong philosophy on encouraging cooperation between individuals, organizations and law enforcement the ITRC is providing a positive impact for consumers who may find themselves in need of assistance due to this crime.
- Visit the ITRC’s consumer resource area
- Visit the ITRC’s page for identity theft victim’s resources
- Visit the ITRC’s Teen Space
Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG)
The APWG is a volunteer organization committed to wiping out fraud and identity theft by promoting best practices and education. The APWG has 3000 member and is associated with over 1700 companies and agencies worldwide. This
organization also organizes the “eCrime Researchers Summit” a technical conference that is fully dedicated to the research of e-crimes.
On Guard Online
On Guard Online is another government online source that provides security tips to prevent internet fraud and computer identity theft. This website provides a variety of tools and information such as instructional videos and games to test your current skills on internet security.
The President’s Task Force on Identity Theft
Established in 2006, the Task Force started a new front line in the fight against identity theft.
The president has called for a coordinated effort among government agencies to combat this crime which causes severe financial burdens and emotional distress to its victims. A strategic plan has been ordered to make the efforts of the government more effective in fighting the crime and aiding its victims.
- Taking action – a list of federal departments and agencies, private businesses, and universities taking action against identity theft.
U.S. Department of Justice
On the subject of identity theft the department of justice has a press room archive and several articles on educating individuals on the many types of schemes and tactics used today by identity thieves. From internet and telemarketing fraud to corrupt practices from foreign contries that target U.S. citizens, this resource addresses a lot of issues that most citizens are not entirely familiar with.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
The PRC is a non profit organization based in San Diego, CA dedicated to the information and advocacy of consumers. Some of the goals of the PRC are to raise awareness about how technology can risk personal privacy, provide practical information on protecting privacy and document consumer complaints and questions about privacy.