Identity Theft and Identity

¶ … Identity Theft

The objective of this work is to choose an issue from either the website http://www.firstgov.govor http://www.findlaw.comand to research the issue and write a review of the issue. For this purpose the subject of identity theft has been chosen.

In the article entitled: "Welcome to the Federal Trade Commission: Your Resource about Identity Theft" it is stated that if someone obtains and uses an individual's personal information without their permission and for the purpose of committing fraud or any other type of crime that identity theft has been committed. According to the FCC: report: "Identity theft is a serious crime." (FCC, 2006)

IN THE EVENT OF IDENTITY THEFT

Should an individual believe that their identity has been stolen there are specific steps to take as follows:

Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the report or at the very least, the number of the report, to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

4. File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps us learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that we can better assist you. (FCC, 2006)

II. SIGNS OF IDENTITY THEFT