Resources :
Federal Trade Commission: United States' consumer protection agency provides a "one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft." It provides detailed information to help consumers Deter, Detect, and Defend against identity theft.
United States Department of Justice: Identity Theft and Fraud: Introducing identity theft by citing the following lines from a Shakespearian play the DOJ website offers comprehensive resources on identity theft:
"But he that filches from me my good name/Robs me of that which not enriches him/And makes me poor indeed." - Othello, act iii. Sc. 3.
Office for Victims of Crime: Identity Theft: OVC website offers links to governmental and national organizations that assist in preventing identity theft.
Identity Theft Resource Center: (ITRC) is a nonprofit " nationally respected program dedicated exclusively to identity theft. It provides consumer and victim support and advises governmental agencies, legislators and companies about this evolving and growing crime."
IDconfidence.org: Provides identity theft myths and facts, prevention tips and connections to other resources.
OnGuard Online: Offers 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.
Credit Monitoring Organizations:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the major nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
To order your free annual report from one or all the national consumer reporting companies, visit www.annualcreditreport.com/, call toll-free 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
The three major consumer reporting companies are:
TransUnion provides credit and fraud-prevention data, including tips for avoiding fraud and fraud victim contact and reporting information.
Phone: 1-800-680-7289
Mailing address:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Experian's Consumer Knowledge Center includes fraud prevention information and resources.
Phone: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013
Equifax provides information on protecting yourself from identity theft and related resources, including Credit Watch, a credit monitoring program.
Phone: 1-800-525-6285
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241