Additional resources

These websites provide information on steps you can take to protect your credit and identity.

Federal Trade Commission
http://ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/data/idt.shtm

This site provides information for consumers about how to protectect their identity information online, and what to do if you think your identity has been stolen. 

Government Identify Theft Site
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website on identity theft is a one-stop national resource about this type of crime. It also provides detailed information to help you protect yourself from identity theft, and the steps to take if it occurs. Information is also available in Spanish.

U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/misused/idtheft.html

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General provides resources for students for protecting themselves against one of the fastest growing consumer crimes in the nation.

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
http://www.privacyrights.org

A nonprofit consumer organization with a two-part mission to empower and raise awareness of consumer information privacy issues and consumer advocacy.

Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.htm

The Social Security Administration is the government agency responsible for issuing and managing Social Security numbers. The agency's official site walks you through who to contact, when, and why. It also links to two useful fact sheets:

• Fact Sheet: When Someone Misuses Your Number (05-10064)
• Fact Sheet: Social Security-Your Number and Card (05-10002)

AARP
http://search.aarp.org/browse?Ntt=identity%20theft

A nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50-plus have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.

Updated March 3, 2006.