Identity Theft Information
In the US, where social security numbers are used as a de facto identifier, it was estimated by the US Federal Trade Commission in 2003 that almost 5% of Americans had been victims of identity theft in the previous year. In the US, identity theft is a fact of life.
The Internet helps to facilitate this identity theft by providing a way to find out a lot about people without them knowing, and by allowing criminals to pose online as people they are not. However, the Internet also provides access to numerous resources dedicated to informing people about identity theft and how to protect themselves from it (see below for our current selection):
- Identity Theft - US government information about identity theft including President's Identity Theft Task Force.
- Identity Theft Resource Center - A non-profit, nationally respected organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding and prevention of identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center provides victim and consumer support as well as public education about identity theft and identity fraud.
- Identity Theft Resource Guide - An annotated bibliography of US federal, state, consumer and news resources about Identity Theft.
- IdentityTheft.org.uk - This UK website produced by public and private sectors to combat the threat of identity theft can help you protect yourself against identity theft, advises what to do if it happens to you and suggests where to get further help.
- Internet Crime Complaint Center - Offers victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations including identity theft.
- Webopedia - Definition of online identity theft and information on how to protect your information online.
- Federal Trade Commission - This website is a one-stop national resource to teach you about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
- Social Security Online - Information about and links to Social Security information about identity theft. It includes information about what to do if your social security identity is stolen and how to claim your identity back.
- United States Department of Justice - Information explaining what identity theft and identity fraud are, and why you need to take precautions to protect yourself from identity theft.
- New Zealand Government - Summary outlining the current situation regarding the threat of identity theft in New Zealand.
- Privacy Rights Clearing House - Identity theft fact sheets and publications, identity theft quizzes and stories from a non-profit consumer information and advocacy organization.
- Onguard Online - Quick facts on what to do to minimize the potential damage from identity theft if your information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen.
"Rocket ID collates information about identity theft, providing people and victims of identity theft with online tips and advice on how to protect their personal information."
