Don’t Become a Victim of Identity Theft…

What is Identity Theft & Identity Fraud?

Crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

Identity Theft Statistics:

• The FBI calls Identity Theft the “Fastest Growing White Collar Crime in the United States”
• 1 in 20 people have been victims
• 7 million Americans were victims last year
• Requires 175 hours to clear your name (mainly business hours)
• Average additional cost out-of-pocket of $1000
• 12-18 months to clear your name and re-establish credit
• Identity Thieves have only a 1-in-700 chance of being caught

Online Resources, Information & Tools to help protect yourself

Government Resources:
Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Web Site
FirstGov Web Portal on Identity Theft
Non-profit Resources:
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Other Resources:
Fight Identity Theft
ID Theft: A Bibliography of Federal, State, Consumer and News Resources