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New FTC Website for Victims of Identity Theft


It seems as if every day we hear about some new data security breach, whether it involves a bank, an internet service provider, or even the IRS. These breaches can have devastating consequences, including identity theft. Because of these potential dangers, it’s a good idea to have a plan of action in case your identity is stolen. A new website from the Federal Trade Commission, www.identitytheft.gov, can help. It provides instructions on what to do immediately (such as calling the companies where the fraud occurred, getting a credit report, and alerting the authorities) as well as long-term steps you might want to consider (such as an extended credit freeze). The site also includes warning signs of identity theft, rights of identity-theft victims, and sample letters you can use to dispute credit card charges or deal with debt collectors.

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