If we don't practice
Identity Theft Prevention, who will?
In 1998, Congress passed and the President signed the Identity
Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (18 USC 1028). It makes
identity theft a federal felony - when someone knowingly
uses the identification of another person with the intention to commit
any unlawful activity under federal and state law.
Violations of this Act are investigated by federal agencies like the
U.S. Secret Service, the Social Security Administration, the FBI, and
the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes
crimes of Identity Theft.
This law allows for restitution to victims. It established an identity
theft clearinghouse within the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC offers a toll-free number for consumers to call, 877-IDTHEFT,
as well as a web site, http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ in the event
an idtheft is suspected.
If you’re a victim of identity theft and the U.S. Mail is involved,
call your nearest Postal Inspection Service office
and local police or report identity theft on-line. The Postal Inspection
Service has produced an identity theft-awareness video for consumer
groups, financial institutions, and police departments. Groups wishing
to obtain a copy of the video may contact their local Postal Inspector.
Additional Web sites for more information on IDtheft:
“When your identity is compromised, Time is
not on your side. You must act quickly
in order to prevent further fraud or damage to your credit. By acting
immediately, you are actually taking steps to prove that it was
done without your knowledge. This may be necessary to protect your
rights.”
How to Report Identity Theft properly.
Time is of the essence to prevent further fraud or damage to your
credit. Act as soon as you discover the theft, and act quickly. This
may be necessary to protect your rights.
Keep a record of all conversations. include
name, agency, phone number, date, and time.
Keep copies of all correspondence, especial
emails. Print hard copies.
Never mail originals. Always send out notarized
copies by registered, certified mail. Spending a few dollars now
will save you a whole lot more in time and money later.
Above all, be persistent. It can take time and
effort to clean up the mess left behind by the criminal who stole
your identity and there is no one else more interested in restoring
your good name than you.
Some additional Telephone numbers to have handy:
Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline.
800-269-0271 if your Social Security number has been stolen.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service if you suspect
that a thief has used your mailing address to commit a idtheft crime.
Call 888-877-7644 for the number of your local office.
Internal Revenue Service at 800- 829-0433 if
you believe your identification has been used in violation of tax
laws.
We have outlined a very detailed proposal on how a victim may Report
Identity Theft. In the following section, we have organized our thoughts
into Four
Steps to Stop IdTheft . Why would you want to stop identity theft?
There is one very good reason a victim might want to stop this crime.
Follow the link to find out what that reason is.
How to
Stop
Identity Theft in Four (fairly)
Easy Steps. Practicing identity
theft prevention is key here.
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Shaq - In Loving Memory
Your short time with us
was so appreciated and
joyful. We'll miss you
sorely my old friend!
IDENTITY
FRAUD RESOURCES™
