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Consumer Publications

The FTC publications listed below can help consumers learn about various aspects of identity theft. If you want to learn the basics, we recommend our "Deter, Detect, Defend” brochure. If an identity thief has opened accounts in your name, changed the mailing address on your accounts, or given your name to creditors or the police, we recommend reading "Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft." If you need a large quantity of ID Theft publications, visit the FTC’s Bulk Order website.

Learn about ID Theft

How To Plan and Host Protect Your Identity Days Kit
A comprehensive toolkit to help organizations combat identity theft by raising awareness and educating people by hosting a Protect Your Identity Day. The kit includes information and sample materials on a CD-ROM and videos on a DVD.  5.125”x11”, 28 pages, color.
PDF(207KB)

Deter, Detect, Defend Brochure
A tri-fold brochure with easy-to-read tips
PDF (6MB)

Deter, Detect, Defend Video
Ten-minute educational video provides identity theft overview and steps you should take.
Video

Talking About Identity Theft: A How-To Guide
A guide with tips and tools to help you educate others about identity theft
PDF (6.25MB)
PowerPoint Presentation (893KB)

'Active Duty' Alerts Help Protect Military Personnel from Identity Theft
PDF (140 KB)

ID Theft: What It's All About
The FTC’s primer on identity theft. Includes how to minimize the risk of identity theft and basics on what to do if you are a victim.
PDF (240 KB)

How Not to Get Hooked by a Phishing Scam
How to avoid online scammers who want to steal your personal information.
PDF (160 KB)

Your Access to Free Credit Reports
Learn how to order a free copy of your credit report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once every 12 months.
PDF (349 KB)

Privacy Choices for Your Personal Financial Information
Explains that federal law gives you the right to stop (opt out of) some sharing of your personal financial information, that you will receive privacy notices from financial institutions you do business with, and what to do when you receive the notices.
PDF (132 KB)

If You’re a Victim

Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
The FTC’s comprehensive guide for victims of identity theft. Includes the ID Theft Affidavit.
PDF (4.9 MB)

ID Theft Affidavit
This form helps you report an identity theft to your creditors.
PDF (56 KB)

What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised
How to respond if your personal information is compromised when an organization’s security is breached.
PDF (152 KB)

Identity Crisis... What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
Four pages of advice on dealing with identity theft.
PDF (96 KB)

Remedying the Effects of Identity Theft
Summarizes your rights as a victim of identity theft.
PDF (24 KB)

To Buy or Not To Buy: Identity Theft Spawns New Products and Services To Help Minimize Risk
Publication to help consumers evaluate whether they should initiate fraud alerts or credit freezes or invest in identity theft products and services such as credit monitoring that are for sale.
PDF (PDF 229KB)

Other FTC Websites

The FTC's Credit Website
The FTC has information on a range of credit issues at www.ftc.gov/credit, whether you’re shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, ordering a free credit report, dealing with debt collectors, or looking for ways to protect your personal financial information.

OnGuard Online
OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. Includes tips, articles, links to further resources, and fun and informative interactive activities.

National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home.

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