FTC Launches New Identity Theft Assistance Website

Last week, the FTC launched a new resource, www.identitytheft.gov, designed to help victims report and recover from identity theft. It provides basic steps that all identify theft victims should take and offers interactive checklists that can be used online or printed.  The user-friendly site also includes sample letters to notify credit bureaus, dispute credit card charges and ATM transactions, obtain business records, and stop debt collectors from trying to collect debts that are not owed.  Specific guidance is provided for, among other things, theft of tax and medical-related information and information on what to do if you have received a data breach notice.  The tool is also available in Spanish at RobodeIdentidad.gov.