Identity Theft
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Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses personal identifying information - including your name, Social Security number, address, bank number/credit card number - without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. The crime of identity theft can take many forms including obtaining credit cards in your name without your permission, or charging something on your credit card without your permission. You may not know you are a victim of identity theft until you are contacted by a debt collector.
How do I know if the government is calling me?
Government organizations will not call you for your personal information. It's a scam. Hang up, and report the call online or on the phone, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Identity Theft Prevention Guides
Identity Theft brochure has quick tips for monitoring your credit identity and correcting errors. Follow the link for a detailed guide for consumers to help protect against identity theft.
What To Know About Medical Identity Theft
Learn what medical identity theft is, how to protect yourself against it, and how to know if someone is using your medical information. Medical identity theft is when someone uses your personal information — like your name, Social Security number, health insurance account number or Medicare number — to see a doctor, get prescription drugs, buy medical devices, submit claims with your insurance provider, or get other medical care.
Internet Crime Complaint Center
Find out more here about how to avoid and report crimes using the Internet, or cyber crime. The site also has Internet crime prevention tips.
Learn the Law: Did Someone Steal Your Identity?
Step-by-step guide for how to help prevent identity theft or how to deal with it if you are a victim. Identity theft is a serious crime. It can hurt your credit, leave you stuck with bills that aren’t yours, and create problems that could haunt you for years. Someone who has stolen your identity might be able to empty your bank account, use your credit cards, open up new utility accounts in your name, get medical treatment on your health insurance, file a tax refund in your name and get your refund, or give your name and information to police during an arrest.
Scams and Identity Theft: Avoiding and Reporting
See this site, which has videos about recognizing and avoiding scams at home, at work, and when shopping. Includes links to the Do Not Call Registry and to file a consumer complaint and report identity theft.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection
The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting reports from consumers and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, and educating consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities.
Glossary of English-Spanish Financial Terms
Online English-Spanish guide to words about money and finance.
Immediate Steps to Repair Identity Theft
Here are some steps you can take right away if you are a victim of identity theft. There is information, sample letters to send out, and more.
Representing Yourself in Court: Your Rights and Responsibilities
Tips if you must handle your legal issue on your own without a lawyer. This document is strictly for informational purposes, it does not include legal advice.