An Online Guide to Identity Theft on the Internet

Financial ID Theft

Criminal identity theft is a crime that occurs when an identity thief provides your identifying information, such as your name or driver’s license information, when asked to identify themselves by law enforcement.

Identity Cloning

Identity cloning goes beyond the theft and use of your information to full-on impersonation. The thief lives as if they are you, getting jobs and paying bills, buying homes or cars, or even getting married and starting a family, all in your name.

Business or Commercial Identity Theft

Business or commercial identity theft is when someone uses a business that is not theirs or they have no right to use to gain access to credit or to bill others for products and services.

Laws and Rules Relating to Identity Theft

Resources for Identity Theft Victims

  • Report Identity Theft and Get a Plan: The Federal Trade Commission is here to guide you through reporting identity theft and help you with rectifying the situation.

  • Preventing Identity Theft: A Guide for Consumers (PDF): The National Crime Prevention Council has put together this printable guide to help readers not only prevent identity theft but handle a situation where they are now victims of these crimes.

  • Identity Theft, Fraud, and Cybercrimes Victim Support: The state of Colorado is also prepared to help victims of identity theft and offers helpful information for all victims here.

  • Identity Theft Victim Checklist: This checklist is a great tool for any identity theft victim, as it lists everything you need to remember to do to clear up the mess left from being victimized.

  • ID Theft, Fraud, and Victims of Cybercrime: The National Cyber Security Alliance outlines what you need to know if you have been a victim of online crimes.

  • Fraud Victim Bill of Rights: TransUnion and the other credit bureaus are available to help if you have been a victim of identity theft.

  • Identity Theft Awareness: This resourceful website provides everything an identity theft victim needs, including a list of must-do items and preventive measures to take in the future.

  • 11 Tips to Protect You From Identity Theft and Related Tax Fraud: Forbes offers many great ideas here for protecting yourself from identity theft, including using a free VPN and using strong passwords.

  • IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance: How it Works: If you are a victim of identity theft or cloning, you may need to handle identity theft issues with the IRS. Visit the IRS website and learn how they can help you through the process of reclaiming your identity.

  • Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number (PDF): Read this brochure put out by the Social Security Administration and learn how you can deal with identity theft issues relating to your Social Security number.

  • Tech Safety Tips: There are multiple ways that you can become an online victim, and identity theft is just one. Learn how protect yourself from all forms of online abuse here.

  • Help for American Victims of Crime: If you become a victim of identity theft while traveling out of the country, reach out to the U.S. Department of State for help.

  • Annual Credit Report: One way to protect yourself from long-term identity theft is to monitor your credit. This website provides free access to annual credit report as an effort to help prevent identity theft.

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