The Federal Trade Commission will conduct a week of events Jan. 26-30 to raise consumer awareness about the threat posed by tax identity theft, a scam that puts thousands of consumers at risk every year. Tax identity theft typically happens when a scammer files a fraudulent tax return using another individual’s social security number, receiving […]
Tag Archives: Bureau of Consumer Protection Consumer Protection Privacy and Security Identity Theft
New FTC Video Advises Computer Users to Back Up Digital Files
What’s worse than losing all the photos and important files on your computer? Knowing you could have prevented it. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, advises consumers that a wise resolution for the New Year is to back up your digital life. Maybe you just got a new computer over the holidays, […]
FTC Issues Revised Business Guide on ‘Red Flags’ Identity Theft Rule
For Your Information June 12, 2013 The Federal Trade Commission has issued revised guidance designed to help businesses comply with the requirements of the Red Flags Rule, which protects consumers by requiring businesses to watch for and respond to warning signs or “red flags” of identity theft. The guidance outlines which businesses – financial institutions […]
Federal Trade Commission Posts New Video to Help Identity Theft Victims
If you’re a victim of identity theft or know someone who is, the Federal Trade Commission has a new video designed to help facilitators who assist consumers in repairing their identity. Helping Victims of Identity Theft is the latest addition to the FTC’s library of resources that explain not only how to recognize identity theft, […]
FTC To Host Workshop Examining the Effects of Identity Theft on Older Americans
The Federal Trade Commission will host a one-day workshop on May 7, 2013, exploring how identity theft impacts older Americans. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to identity theft because they tend to have more assets and readily available cash than others. Identity thieves may also view seniors as attractive targets based on their belief that they […]
Identity Theft/Tax Fraud Focus of February 20 Town Hall Hosted by FTC and Florida Attorney General in Boca Raton
The Federal Trade Commission and the Florida Attorney General’s Office will host a town hall on identity theft and tax fraud on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, in Boca Raton, Florida. To help address the growing problem of tax-related fraud, including the use of stolen Social Security numbers to get tax refunds, the Identity Theft/Tax Fraud […]
FTC Releases Survey of Identity Theft in the U.S.Study Shows 8.3 Million Victims in 2005
The Federal Trade Commission today released a survey showing that 8.3 million American adults, or 3.7 percent of all American adults, were victims of identity theft in 2005. Of the victims, 3.2 million, or 1.4 percent of all adults, experienced misuse of their existing credit card accounts; 3.3 million, or 1.5 percent, experienced misuse of […]