Scam artists around the world defraud millions of people each year. They use the phone, postal mail, and the internet to trick people into sending money or giving out personal information. Read more.
New York State Department of State advises consumers to respond quickly if they suspect or know that they are a victim of identity theft. Responding quickly may minimize the damage.
Information for people of different literacy levels and those who want practical, concise information. Read about credit, debt, identity theft, avoiding scams, budgeting, and managing money. This free material is available in English and Spanish.
A credit freeze can be a powerful weapon against identity theft. When a freeze is in place, credit reporting agencies may not release your credit report or credit score unless the you first remove the freeze by providing a password. Read about Georgia's credit freeze law.
Many people find it easy and convenient to use credit cards and ATM or debit cards. The Fair Credit Billing Act and Electronic Fund Transfer Act offer procedures you can use if your cards are lost or stolen. Read more.
Your personal information is important in every aspect of your life. It's essential to be careful about sharing information, so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Georgia law regulates the proper disposal of business records that contain personal information.
You can ensure the hard drive in your old computer won't get misused by identity thieves. Use a program to overwrite or wipe the hard drive, or remove the hard drive and physically destroy it. Read more
If you are a victim of identity theft and have created an Identity Theft Report, you may want to place an extended fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit file. Read more about the differences between these options and steps to take.
The FTC is the nation’s consumer protection agency. If a business doesn’t make good on its promises or cheats you out of your money, the FTC wants to know.
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) publishes in-depth guides on identity theft that cover how to reduce the risk of fraud, what to do if you become an identity theft victim, how to evaluate identity theft monitoring services, and more.
Identity theft protection services can help you monitor your accounts. Many people find it valuable and convenient to pay a company to monitor their financial accounts, credit reports, and personal information. Others choose to do this themselves for free. Before you pay for a service, evaluate it and its track record.
Consumer Federation of America's IDTheftInfo.org website is an easy-to-use gateway for information about identity theft from CFA and other good sources. You can take a quiz to test your ID theft savvy, learn how to protect yourself, and find information about what to do if you become an ID theft victim. Advice for businesses about data security is also provided. The “Latest News” section keeps you informed about identity theft-related issues and developments.
Malware (short for “malicious software") includes viruses and spyware that get installed on your computer, phone, or mobile device without your consent. Criminals use malware to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraud. Read more
A thief may use your name or insurance information to get treatment in your name. You have the right to see your copies of your records and have mistakes corrected.
If a thief steals your checks, uses the account number from your checks, or opens a new account in your name, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible. Learn more
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) publishes in-depth guides on technology and your privacy. Learn how to secure your computer, privacy tips for using social networking sites, what information your smartphone gathers and shares, and more.
Fraudsters use email, voicemail, and text messages to try and capture your personal information. Watch for warning signs and protect your personal information.
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) helps you protect your children's privacy. COPPA requires websites to get parental consent before they collect or share information from children under age 13.
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) publishes in-depth guides on financial privacy laws and practical tips on safeguarding your information. Learn how to read your bank's opt-out notices, the dangers of using debit cards, the laws requiring banks to confirm your identity, and more.
Everyday activities like using a savings card at the grocery store or a social networking app on your phone may give businesses access to information about your habits, tastes, and activities. Where does that information go and how is it used?
For hassle-free online shopping, get the details about what you're buying, pay by credit card, keep records, and protect your personal and financial information.
Learn the signs of identity theft. If you think someone is misusing your personal information, act quickly to limit the damage. Setting things straight involves some work.
Often spam is promoting get rich quick schemes and questionable products. Common scams are chain letters, work at home schemes, weight loss potions, credit repair offers, advance fee loans, vacation offers, and adult entertainment. Read more
Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, libraries, airports, hotels, universities, and other public places are convenient, but are often not secure. When using a hotspot, it’s best to send information only to websites that are fully encrypted.
Identity theft affects millions of people each year. Learn how to protect yourself from identity thieves as part of your daily routine. Watch the video
The Office of Privacy Protection teaches Wisconsin consumers, businesses, and law enforcement agencies about identity theft and fraud prevention. The Office helps victims of identity theft take steps to reclaim their identity and restore their credit standing.
Criminals steal usernames and passwords, get sensitive information, and sell risky securities. Learn how to spot some of the latest online scams and what to do about them.
The BBB's "Secure Your ID" Day is a great way for consumers and small businesses to take a key step in identity protection. Last year the BBB helped people shred 1.3 million pounds of paper with sensitive information. The next "Secure Your ID" Day event is scheduled for April 20, 2013.
