Identity theft and identity fraud are crimes in which someone obtains and uses another individual's personal information in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

For support following a victimization, contact law enforcement. For additional information, services, and recovery aids, explore the following Web sites:

• Government Resources
• National Organizations
• Credit Monitoring Organizations

Government Resources

• Federal Trade Commission
  The U.S. Government's central Web site for information about identity theft includes government reports and Congressional testimony, law enforcement updates, consumer alerts, and links to other sites with helpful information.
  
  
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)
  IFCC allows users to file complaints online. Its Web site also offers statistics, scam alerts, and fraud prevention tips. The program is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.
  
  
• Social Security Administration (SSA)
  SSA provides hotline numbers and information on how to work with credit bureaus and law enforcement agencies to reclaim your identity.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)–Criminal Division
  The Identity Theft and Fraud pages provide information about identity theft and fraud, what to do if you are a victim, and updates on DOJ responses to identity theft and fraud.
  
  
• U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
  Through cooperation and partnerships, FinCEN combats money laundering domestically and internationally.
  
  
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
  The Identity Theft pages provide consumer tips, instructions on how to get off mailing lists and how to report unsolicited e-mail ("spam"), and links to information about identity theft and fraud.
  
  
• U.S. Secret Service Financial Crimes Division
  The Secret Service investigates crimes associated with financial institutions, including bank fraud, access device fraud, telecommunications and computer crimes, fraudulent government and commercial securities, and electronic funds transfer fraud.

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National Organizations

• AARP
  AARP provides information about identity theft and how to protect yourself from it.
  
  
• Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
  ITRC is a nonprofit consumer information, research, and advocacy organization that offers public education, prevention tips, victim information guides, and other resources.
  
  
• National Check Fraud Center
  The center provides assistance, information, and crime reporting information for counterfeit checks, forgery, check fraud, bank fraud, and white collar crimes.
  
  
• National Fraud Information Center (NFIC)
  NFIC provides a toll-free hotline for consumers to get advice about telephone or e-mail solicitations and report possible telemarketing or Internet fraud to law enforcement agencies.
  
  
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
  The clearinghouse provides identity theft resources, consumer information, publications, and advocacy.
  
  
• State PIRGs
  State Public Interest Research Groups are locally based organizations that fight threats to public health and well-being through investigative research, grassroots organizing, advocacy, and litigation.

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Credit Monitoring Organizations

OVC takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over, the organizations, views, accuracy, copyright or trademark compliance, or legality of the material contained on these servers.

• TransUnion
  TransUnion provides credit and fraud-prevention data, including tips for avoiding fraud and fraud victim contact and reporting information.
  
  
• Experian
  Experian's Consumer Knowledge Center includes fraud prevention information and resources.
  
  
• Equifax
  Equifax provides information on protecting yourself from identity theft and related resources, including Credit Watch, a credit monitoring program.

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