Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identity information such as your name, Social Security number or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or a crime.

Identity theft has many forms. Thieves may rent an apartment, acquire a credit card, or establish an account in your name. Many times the theft is not noticed until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and find charges you didn't make, or you are contacted by a debt collector.

Some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly; however, others spend thousands of dollars and much time repairing the damage to their name and credit report. Identity theft victims may lose job opportunities, denied loans, housing or cars due to the negative information on their credit report.

Below is a list of resources for further information on Identity Theft

Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Comprehensive information and forms for reporting identity theft

Identity Theft Resource Center (iTRC)

Identity Theft is a Crime: Government Resources
Government resources on reporting and preventing identity theft

Social Security Administration (SSA)

The United States Department of Justice
Information on identity theft and identity fraud

United States Postal Inspection Service

Credit Bureau Information

Experian
Equifax
Transunion