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