Identity Theft Web Sites
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to ensure that the nation’s markets are vigorous, efficient and free of restrictions that harm consumers. The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices. Whether combating telemarketing fraud, Internet scams or price-fixing schemes, the FTC’s primary mission is to protect consumers.
Federal Trade Commission: Identity Theft
Provides information to consumers about reporting identity theft.
Federal Trade Commission: Identity Theft Investigations
Guidelines for law enforcement personnel conducting identity theft investigations.
Fight Identity Theft
Advice and guidance for consumers to protect against identity theft.
Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). IC3’s mission is to address fraud committed over the Internet. For victims of Internet fraud, IC3 provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at all levels, IC3 offers a central repository for complaints related to Internet fraud, works to quantify fraud patterns, and provides timely statistical data of current fraud trends.
National Consumer Law Center
The National Consumer Law Center is America’s consumer law expert, helping consumers, their advocates, and public policy makers to use powerful consumer laws to build financial security and assure marketplace justice for vulnerable individuals and families.
AARP
Provides information about identity theft and how consumers can protect themselves from becoming victims.
AnnualCreditReport.com
A centralized service for consumers to request annual credit reports that was created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act consumers can request and obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. AnnualCreditReport.com provides consumers with the secure means to do so.
Anti-Phishing Working Group
The Anti-Phishing Working Group is an industry association focused on eliminating the identity theft and fraud that result from phishing and e-mail spoofing.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB provides information for businesses on how they can protect the personal information of their customers so the information cannot be stolen for identity fraud.
California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG)
This organization focuses on privacy rights and identity theft, among other issues.
Center for Identity Management and Information Protection (CIMIP)
CIMIP is a research collaborative dedicated to furthering a national research agenda on identity management, information sharing, and data protection. CIMIP will facilitate a national research agenda on identity fraud and theft, information sharing policy, and data protection.
Communications Fraud Control Association (CFCA)
CFCA provides the communications industry with intelligence sharing (e.g., education and alerts regarding fraud-related information and schemes) and facilitates professional networking to help prevent and reduce fraud losses.
Consumer Sentinel
Consumer Sentinel is an innovative, international law enforcement fraud-fighting program. Using this restricted-access Web site, law enforcement agencies can access hundreds of thousands of complaints from consumers about identity theft and Internet cons, telemarketing scams, and other frauds.
Consumer.gov
Consumer.gov provides a broad range of Federal information resources available online, including information on Internet fraud statistics.
Econsumer.gov
This Web site provides general information about consumer protection in the countries that belong to the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network (ICPEN), contact information for consumer protection authorities in those countries, and an online complaint form.
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Equifax
This service provides information on protecting yourself from identity theft and related resources, including Credit Watch, a credit-monitoring program.
Experian
Experian's Consumer Knowledge Center includes fraud prevention information and resources.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Serves as the chief investigative unit for the U.S. Department of Justice in cases of fraud, including identity theft.
Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)
The center lets consumers know where they can go for information on various topics, including consumer and Internet fraud.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
FDIC provides information for financial institutions in identity theft cases.
Federal Reserve Board
The board provides information for consumers on how they can protect their financial privacy.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal government's central Web site for information about identity theft includes government reports and congressional testimony, law enforcement updates, consumer alerts, and links to other sites with helpful information. Identity theft victims can file a complaint from this Web site or by calling (877) 382-4357.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Consumer Information Security
This Web site offers tips for consumers and businesses on computer security and protecting personal information.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
FinCEN brings people and information together to fight the complex problem of money laundering, linking Federal, State, local, and international law enforcement; regulatory communities; and financial communities to prevent and detect financial crimes.
Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse
The clearinghouse is part of Consumer Sentinel, an online cybertool and fraud complaint database used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the United States and abroad.
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Identity Theft Prevention and Survival
This Web site provides useful information, including a sample complaint letter, for victims of identity theft.
Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
ITRC is a nationwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and implementing a comprehensive program to combat identity theft by supporting victims, broadening public awareness, disseminating information, and decreasing the potential victim population. Among the resources provided is a section for teens to learn about the dangers of identity theft.
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP): National Law Enforcement Policy Center
The center produces model policies on some of the most difficult issues facing law enforcement administrators, including identity theft.
International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI)
This organization concentrates on training and information dissemination to prevent and suppress financial transaction fraud worldwide.
International High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA)
HTCIA promotes and effects the voluntary interchange of information and knowledge about methods, processes, and techniques relating to investigations and security in advanced technologies.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
IC3, a partnership of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), serves as a central repository for complaints; works to quantify fraud patterns; and provides timely statistical data on current fraud trends.
Military Sentinel
Military Sentinel—a project of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Defense —identifies and targets consumer protection issues that affect members of the military and their families.
National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)
This Web site provides contact information for each State's Attorney General, as well as information on various issues, including cybercrime.
National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
A non-profit association of attorneys and consumer advocates committed to representing customers’ interests, including protection from identity theft.
National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC)
NCVC provides information about identity theft and resources for victims of identity theft.
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National Check Fraud Center
This center provides nationwide, updated multisource intelligence to support local law enforcement, federal agencies, and financial and retail communities in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of known check fraud and other white collar crimes.
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
Provides information about State and Federal laws and other sources that address policies and strategies for combating identity theft.
National Consumers League (NCL)
This private, nonprofit advocacy group represents consumers on marketplace and workplace issues, including fraud and identity theft.
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
Provides information about identity theft and tips to avoid becoming a victim. Includes information on phishing and other Internet crimes.
National District Attorneys Association (NDAA)
A non-profit research and program development resource for prosecutors at all levels of government. Provides interdisciplinary responses to the complex problems of criminal justice, including the prosecution of fraud cases like identity theft.
National Fraud Information Center
The center provides a toll-free hotline for consumers to get advice about telephone or e-mail solicitations and to report possible telemarketing or Internet fraud to law enforcement agencies.
National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C)
NW3C provides a nationwide support system for agencies involved in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of economic and high-tech crimes. It also supports and partners with other appropriate entities in addressing homeland security initiatives as they relate to economic and high-tech crimes.
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
This Web site links to organizations that provide information on identity theft and provides a list of fraud-related publications. The Web site also has the OVC HELP for Victim Service Providers Web forum, which is a place where victim service providers and allied professionals can connect to peers and share ideas about best practices for a variety of topics, including Identity Theft.
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
This Web site provides resources and links to organizations that deal with identity theft.
OnGuard Online
OnGuardOnline.gov, which is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission, provides practical tips from the Federal government and the technology industry to help consumers be on guard against Internet fraud. It also informs consumers on how to properly secure their computers and how to protect personal information.
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Online Privacy Alliance (OPA)
OPA provides information on self-regulatory initiatives that create an environment of trust and that foster the protection of individuals' privacy online and in electronic commerce.
President's Identity Theft Task Force
This site serves as a portal for federal government resources on identity theft, which include tips on protecting personal information and reporting identity theft.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
This nonprofit consumer education, research, and advocacy program provides practical information on privacy protection.
StaySafeOnline.org
This Web site from the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)—a public-private partnership that includes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and many private-sector corporations and organizations—provides tools and resources to empower home users, small businesses, and schools to stay safe online.
TransUnion
Provides credit and fraud-prevention data, including tips for avoiding fraud and fraud victim contact and reporting information.
United Kingdom Home Office Identity Fraud Steering Committee
This collaboration between United Kingdom financial bodies, government, and police combats identity theft.
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
CFTC protects market participants against manipulation, abusive trade practices, and fraud.
U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General
This Web site provides information on identity theft involving students and student loans, including downloadable resources for students. It also set up a hotline for reporting fraud and Internet crimes related to educational funding.
U.S. Department of Justice
This Web site informs the public about what can be done to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft and fraud and provides information on how to report identity theft.
U.S. Department of Justice: Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section
Maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice, this Web site provides information on all forms of Internet crime for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public.
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U.S. Department of the Treasury: Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Compliance Policy
This Web site provides links to resources for information on identity theft.
U.S. Department of the Treasury: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The office charters, regulates, and supervises national banks to ensure a safe, sound, and competitive banking system that supports the citizens, communities, and economy of the United States.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
This Web site provides information on various kinds of fraud, included sweepstakes and lotteries, personal finance-related schemes, employment schemes, and telephone solicitations. Fraud Prevention DVD's are also available free of charge, including Identity Crisis: Protect Your Identity.
U.S. Probation and U.S. Pretrial Services: Cybercrime Information Resources
This restricted-access Web site is intended to provide a forum for the discussion and the pooling of resources to help those who supervise individuals who have been charged with or convicted of crimes that involved computers.
U.S. Secret Service e-Information Network
A unique collection of resource databases that help financial institutions and law enforcement obtain information on a variety of topics, including identity theft.
U.S. Secret Service: Financial Crimes Division
The division investigates crimes associated with financial institutions. Today, this jurisdiction includes bank fraud, access device fraud involving credit and debit cards, telecommunications and computer crimes, fraudulent identification, fraudulent government and commercial securities, and electronic funds transfer fraud.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The SEC investigates complaints about investment fraud and cases involving misuse of identity in connection with securities transactions.
U.S. Social Security Administration
This online fact sheet provides victims who are trying to reclaim their identity with hotline numbers and information on how to work with credit bureaus and law enforcement agencies.
U.S. Trustee Program
This office, under the U.S. Department of Justice, oversees bankruptcy filings and has programs to minimize the risk of identity theft in conjunction with bankruptcy filings.
Better Business Bureaus Alerts
The Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) posts warnings to notify consumers and businesses about recently discovered, fraudulent business scams, as well as help resolve buyer/seller complaints against a business including mediation and arbitration services. |
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TreasuryDirect
Is it really a security and is it really backed by the U.S. Government? Many schemes have been directed at banks, charities, companies, and even individuals, by others seeking payment on fraudulent securities. The BPD will alert you to these scams and help you protect yourself from being taken in. |
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Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to fighting insurance fraud through public advocacy and public education. |
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Consumer Sentinal
See how law enforcement all over the world work together to fight fraud, using Consumer Sentinel, an innovative, international law enforcement fraud-fighting program. |
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Confused over your telephone bill? You're not alone. Consumer confusion has significantly contributed to the growth of slamming, cramming and other types of telecommunications fraud. Contact the FCC to learn how to avoid those unwanted telephone solicitations or to report other abusive techniques. |
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices, and enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. Don’t get taken in by these everyday scams. |
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Food Stamp Program
The USDA investigates criminal violations of the Food Stamp Act. Information concerning food stamp trafficking, theft of food stamps, or other criminal violations of the Food Stamp Act should be reported. |
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Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Federal laws and regulations protect you from discrimination, fraud, and unscrupulous practices in buying and renting a home. Don't be a victim of people who may profit at your expense. |
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Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)
Provides victims of Internet fraud a convenient, easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation. The IFCC is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. |
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Medicare Fraud and Abuse
Medicare is taking strong action to combat fraud and abuse in key areas. Their goal is to make sure Medicare only does business with legitimate providers and suppliers who will provide Medicare beneficiaries with high quality services. |
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Military Sentinel
Allows members of the United States Armed Forces to enter consumer complaints directly into a database that is immediately accessible by over 500 law enforcement organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. These law enforcement agencies use this complaint data to target cases for prosecution and other enforcement measures. |
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MyVesta.org
Myvesta.org is the nation's first non-profit, Internet-based financial counseling and services organization. They help people to overcome their money troubles through education and special programs. Myvesta.org was founded as Debt Counselors of America. |
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National Fraud Information Center (NFIC)
The NFIC is a nationwide toll-free hotline for consumers to get advice about telephone solicitation and report possible telemarketing fraud to law enforcement agencies.
NFIC Hotline 1-800-876-7060 |
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Securities and Exchange Commission
Provides information on how to invest your hard earned dollars wisely and keeping an eye out for investment scams. To learn more about how to avoid costly mistakes and fraud, read the SEC's "Investor Alerts." |
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Social Security Administration
Is someone using your Social Security Number or falsely claiming disability rights? Get the facts on Social Security fraud.
Social Security Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271 |
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U.S. Postal Inpection Service
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a long, history of fighting criminals who attack our nation's postal system and misuse it to defraud the American public. |
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