Identity Theft

Information on how to protect your identity from being stolen.

Identity theft has become an epidemic in Washington and across the United States. It’s also one of the most costly crimes to consumers and businesses, and is the fastest growing white collar crime in America according to the FTC.

Securing IDs is essential to not only protecting consumers from financial loss and shoring up the world’s finest financial system, but also to securing our homeland from criminals, drug dealers, and terrorists. The protection of personal identification and financial records is an important part in preventing such plagues as meth addiction, white collar fraud, and terrorism.

Washingtonians should be vigilant to protect themselves and our community from the dangers caused by identity thieves. If you become a victim of ID left, please contact my office for personal assistance or visit the Federal Trade Commission identity theft website for advice on how to secure your personal data as well as what to do if your identity is stolen.

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. You can also take their tests to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of phishing, spam, spyware and other online scams.

Additional Resources:

• 10 ways to protect yourself from ID theft (AARP)
• Protecting deceased loved ones from identity theft (AARP)
• Phishing, ransomware, and other identity theft scams (AARP)
• Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers and Victims (IRS)
• Identity Protection: Prevention, Detection and Victim Assistance (IRS)
• Learn more about consumer protection.