ID Theft - A Growing Crime

Identity theft has topped the list of consumer complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission since 2003. Of the more than 685,000 complaints filed in 2005, 37% of these were about identity theft.

Credit card fraud was the most common form of reported identity theft, followed by phone or utilities fraud, bank fraud, and employment fraud.

CBS 6 is committed to providing information to help you protect yourself and your family from identity theft. Log on to this page often to get the latest information and tips on this growing problem.

ID Theft - What Can You Do?
Identity theft is often a crime of opportunity. The Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, Consumer Reports, and the Federal Trade Commission all have lists of tips they recommend to reduce your chances of becoming a victim, and what to do if your identity has been stolen. Log on to the following web sites for more information:

NYS Attorney General's ID Theft Web Page

Consumer Reports' ID Theft Web Page

Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Web Page