Identity Theft, Financial Crime, and Cybercrime

Click on the topic of interest to you to find information and resources:

Videos on Identity Theft by the Federal Trade Commission:

LawHelpCa: Dealing with Identify Theft
Information on identity theft, form letters you can use and other tools to help you if you are a victim of identity theft.

California Office of the Attorney General: Identity The- Resources
This site provides information specifically for victims of identity theft who have had their identities stolen and used by a criminal. Posted information includes Consumer Information Sheets in English, Spanish, and Chinese with tips on how to protect your personal privacy, preventing the identity theft of your child or the deceased, and freezing your credit files. It also includes a useful resource: How to Use the California Identity Theft Registry: A Guide for Victims of ‘Criminal’ Identity Theft.

California Department of Motor Vehicles: Information about Fraud and Identity Theft
Information about identity theft, including links to other sites with more information and details about what the DMV does to protect you from identity theft and what to do to when contacting them if you have become a victim.

U.S. Department of Justice
This site posted by the U.S. Department of Justice includes questions and answers about identity theft, as well as tips for prevention and what to do if you become a victim. It also includes a simple quiz for consumers to help you find out how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.

Dealing with Identity Theft
A toolkit developed to help you figure out what to do if you have been a victim of identity theft. It includes programs to help you write letters to creditors, debt collectors and credit bureaus, and much more. This toolkit was developed by The People's Law Library of Maryland but has information that can help Californians as well.

Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network
Find resources to help you if you are a victim of identity theft.

Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
ITRC is a nonprofit, nationally respected program dedicated exclusively to identity theft. It provides consumer and victim support and advises governmental agencies, legislators, and companies about this evolving and growing crime. It includes basic information, from the steps you need to take as a victim of identity theft to guides on the emotional impact and effective communication. Also available in Spanish and Chinese.

Identity Theft: What to Do if It Happens to You
This guide provides victims of identity theft with instructions on how to regain their financial health and where to get more help. By the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

U. S. Postal Service
Advice from U. S. Postal Service inspectors on how to protect yourself from identity theft in general, as well as tips specific to mail service. The USPS site includes links for more information, tips, and how to contact your local postal inspector.

If you believe your personal identifying information was used illegally in a business entity filing (like document that a business may be required by law to file with the Secretary of State), you can ask the court to determine that your information was used illegally and ask for related orders. You must first file a police report. Check out Civil Code § 1798.200 for details of the law. The court will make its order on Form CIV-165, Order on Unlawful Use of Personal Identifying Information.

Financial Crime

Credit Repair Scams: They Make Your Money Disappear
An illustrated fact sheet that describes what a credit report is and how to find out what is in your credit report. Explains how to correct inaccurate information in your report and advises caution with credit repair companies and guaranteed credit claims. By Consumer Action: available in English and Spanish.

Don’t Fall for the Wrong Call: Protect Yourself Against Telemarketing Fraud
An eight-page, in-depth guide that provides information on common tricks and charitable donation scams used by telemarketers, how to answer sales calls, warning signs of fraud, how to protect yourself from unwanted calls, your rights under the law, and how you can sue telemarketers who do not honor your wishes not to be called. The guide also contains a listing of complaint-handling agencies and other helpful resources. By Consumer Action: available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Insurance Fraud
An illustrated brochure describing the warning signs of insurance fraud and some concrete steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim. Though written specifically to help Asian Americans, this brochure contains information helpful to all consumers. It details several types of insurance fraud, such as fake policies, premium fraud, unlicensed agents, unnecessary services, and insurance scams. It also describes how to get your money back and where to complain about insurance fraud. By Consumer Action.

Preventing Credit Card Fraud: Learn How to Protect Yourself
A brochure, available in English and Spanish, that describes how thieves steal and use credit cards and card numbers and explains how to protect your credit card and what to do if your card has been stolen. By Consumer Action.

Cybercrime

High-Tech Crime: Protecting Yourself in the Computer Age
By the California Attorney General’s Crime and Violence Prevention Center.

Online Privacy: Using the Internet Safely
This site offers crime-prevention tips and advice for victims of high-tech crimes and identity theft, and links to other sites for victims of cyber abuse. By the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
IC3 serves as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints about the rapidly expanding arena of cybercrime. IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.