On the money
Identity theft has become a popular and fast-growing form of financial fraud. Millions of dollars are lost each year when confidential financial information, such as Social Security numbers and credit-card accounts, is compromised.
Several Web sites offer advice on that very subject. Here are some good sites worth a visit:
- American Bankers Assn.
www.aba.com/Consumer+Connection/CNC–contips–idtheft.htm
It lists steps and action to take if you become a victim.
- Federal Trade Commission
It is the central U.S. government’s site for all matters related to identity theft.
- How Stuff Works
www.howstuffworks.com/identity-theft4.htm
The site offers information on how identity theft occurs and how to guard against it.
- Identity Theft Resource Center
www.idtheftcenter.org/html/prevention–tips.htm
It features a test for identity theft risk factors with tips for businesses and consumers.