Fighting Back Against
Identity Theft
Deter. Detect. Defend.

DETER DETECT DEFEND

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft is a serious crime. It 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. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to have the information you need to protect yourself against identity theft. This information is summed up in the FTC's clear and concise message on identity theft: Deter, Detect, Defend.

DETER identity thieves by safeguarding your information

DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements

DEFEND against ID theft as soon as you suspect a problem

While there is no fool-proof way to avoid ID theft, there are steps you can take to minimize your chance of becoming a victim, and steps to take to minimize the damage should a theft occur. The FTC has created the following materials in English and Spanish to help consumers and businesses learn these important Deter, Detect, and Defend steps:

	Deter, Detect, Defend A brochure with easy-to-read tips (PDF - 207KB)		Talking About Identity Theft: A How-To Guide A guide with tips to educate consumers (PDF - 6.25MB)
	Presentation Slides A presentation on identity theft (PowerPoint - 893KB)		Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft A comprehensive guide (PDF - 4.90MB)

These materials were developed by the FTC as part of its ongoing work to educate consumers about identity theft. All of these materials can be used by any organization large or small, business, community or social to help its members, employees or audience learn more about identity theft.