Identity Theft Resources

What is identity theft? Statistics say that Identity theft may well be the fastest growing crime in the U.S. According to a 2003 Identity Theft Survey Report prepared by Synovate for the Federal Trade Commission, the total cost of this crime is some $50 billion yearly, with the average loss from misuse of a victim’s personal information being $4,800. And, according to statistics, the estimated number of persons affected by the identity theft fraud problem in all of its forms (e.g., credit identity theft, identity theft fraud, business identity theft) was 9.9 million in 2003. That figure is almost certainly much higher today since "reporting hasn't kept pace with the crime and many ID thefts go undetected." (See article, Identity Theft: What, Me Worry? in PCMag.com)

The remainder of this web page lists a variety of resources, statistics, articles, and links to cases, causes and examples involving the ID theft problem to help you prevent becoming a victim to this modern scourge.

Seminars, Fact Sheets, Publications, Videos

• Identity Theft Resource Center. A nonprofit program dedicated exclusively to identity theft provides consumer and victim support and advises governmental agencies, legislators and companies about this rapidly growing crime.
• YouTube Video Discusses Identity Theft. Identity Theft Examined - Many Resources and Tips Are Listed in the Description Section.
• YouTube Video Showing How to Avoid ID Theft Short informational film for the "Elder Consumer Protection Project, funded in part by the Administration on Aging." Shows how ID theft occurs and how to avoid it.
  
  
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Identity theft resources, including identity theft fact sheets, Publications, Quizzes, and more.
• University of Michigan. Protecting Against Misrepresentation and Identity Theft Website.
• Law Library Resource Xchange, LLC. Identity Theft: A Bibliography of Federal, State, Consumer and News Resources.
• Identity Theft Safety Quiz. How safe are you from identity theft? Knowledge helps you avoid ID theft.
• Protecting Privacy Online: A California Identity Theft Summit. California's ID Summit, April 11, 2007.
• AARP. Identity Theft Prevention Seminar.
• California Senate Office of Research. This March 2007 publication is a summary of key statutes and a guide for lawmakers.
• CALPIRG. Privacy Rights and Identity Theft Fact Sheets.

Federal Trade Commission Resources

The Federal Trade Commission provides a wealth of information on protecting yourself from falling victim to the growing problem of identity theft:

• www.consumer.gov/idtheft FTC's website gives you detailed information about identity theft to help you "Deter, Detect, and Defend" against identity theft.

• ftc.gov/kidzprivacy Link to information about protecting your children's personal information.

• OnGuardOnline.gov Click here for practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information.

• Video for Web. Play this 10-minute educational video for an excellent overview of identity theft and an outline of the steps that consumers can take:
  

• ftc.gov/onlineshopping This website gives you information to enable you to shop safely and wisely online. You can learn, for example, how to use online payment services, participate in an Internet auction or resolve a complaint with an online dealer.

• ftc.gov/spyware. Information about spyware.