NCJ Number
221347
Date Published
2007
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This kit provides comprehensive information in recognizing identity (ID) theft, how to protect oneself from ID theft, and what to do to repair the damage caused by ID theft.
Abstract
Highlights of signs of identity theft include: denial of credit, charges found on credit card that were not made by oneself, credit card bills stop coming, a debt collector calls about a debt one is unaware of, and being wrongly accused of a crime. Highlights in preventing identity theft include: placing a security freeze on one’s credit report, putting passwords on all accounts, using a credit monitoring service, reviewing bills for any charges one is unaware off, and not giving out personal information to anyone on the phone that one did not contact first. Steps to follow when one is a victim of identity theft include: (1) file a police report; (2) close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened without ones knowledge; (3) call the three credit reporting bureaus and place a fraud alert on ones credit file or, after July 1, 2007, place a security freeze on one’s credit file; (4) review one's credit report for accounts one did not open, debts on one’s account that one did not know about, inquiries from companies one does not know, and inaccurate information; and (5) file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The convenience of technology advances has unfortunately provided an unwanted side effect, one of the fastest growing crimes in the Nation called, Identity Theft. This booklet offers individuals pertinent information on ID theft in the areas of signs of ID theft, preventing ID theft, definition of ID theft, prevention of ID theft, and liability.