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Identity Theft & Fraud
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Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name. Each year, millions of Americans have their identity stolen. Learn what you can do to Deter, Detect, Defend against identity theft. Learn more at www.ftc.gov/idtheft, an FTC website.
Phishing
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Get tips to help you avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam. Learn more about "How Not To Get Hooked by a "Phishing" Scam" at OnGuardOnline.gov, an FTC website.
Video
Identity Theft Video
This ten-minute video features advice from FTC leaders, law enforcement, and victims on how to deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. Below the video you'll also find several versions that you can download and share. Watch the video
Phishing Videos
Three 60-second spots expose phishing scams — where online fraudsters use email, pop-ups, or text messages to get your personal and financial information — by showing what phishing would look like offline. You'll also find the phishy videos on YouTube at youtube.com/ftcvideos. Feel free to forward them, post them online, or link to OnGuardOnline.gov. Check out the Phishy Videos from the FTC.
Audio
Nigerian Email Scams
A supposed foreign official emails you and says he needs your help to get millions of dollars into the country. And he’ll pay you for your time and trouble. It’s a scam.Listen to a 15-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."Listen to a 30-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."
View the transcripts from the FTC (PDF).Online Shopping
Shopping online can save you time and money. But only if you’re shopping safely. Learn how.Listen to a 15-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."Listen to a 30-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."
View the transcripts from the FTC (PDF).Phishing
A message from your bank says there is a problem with your account. And they ask for your account number, your password, and maybe even your Social Security number. It could be a phishing scam looking for your personal information. Don’t take the bait.Listen to a 15-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."Listen to a 30-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."
View the transcripts from the FTC (PDF).Foreign Lottery
You get an email saying you may have won thousands of dollars. But to claim your prize, you have to send money. Maybe for taxes, or maybe for fees. Emails like this are a trick.Listen to a 15-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."Listen to a 30-second radio message:
To download the mp3, right-click this link and choose "Save As."
View the transcripts from the FTC (PDF).
Online Articles & Tools
Government Grants
You may see an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a “free grant” to pay for education costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Or you may get a phone call supposedly from a “government” agency or some other organization with an official sounding name. In either case, the claim is the same: your application for a grant is guaranteed to be accepted, and you’ll never have to pay the money back. Whether you see them in your local paper or a national magazine, or hear about them on the phone, “money for nothing” grant offers usually are scams. Read the full article from the FTCOCC Anti-Fraud Resources
OCC's new feature provides Consumers and Bankers with information and resources to effectively identify, report, and combat fraud. Browse the resource listing from the OCCAvoiding Cashier's Check Fraud
An OCC consumer advisory warns consumers to watch for fraudulent cashier's check schemes and recommends actions they can take to protect themselves. Read the full article from the OCCPhishing
In this new type of Internet piracy, thieves use phony e-mails and web sites to extract personal financial information, including account numbers and passwords, from unwary consumers. The good news is that consumers have the power to stop them. Read this brochure, prepared by the OCC and the federal bank, thrift and credit union regulatory agencies, to find out how. Read the full article from the OCCProtecting Yourself from Identify Theft
Today's online environment can be a safe place to conduct business if you know how to safeguard your identity and information against theft. Information from a variety of federal agencies can help you know the risks and protect yourself against Identity Theft. Read the full article from the OCC