The FTC’s ID THEFT website provides a 3-step plan for fighting back against identity theft, as well as law enforcement links and an online complaint form that can be submitted electronically to the FTC. In addition, consumers can access a wealth of information on Federal and State laws, as well as documentation on identity theft cases across the nation.

Reading through these cases reveals that law enforcement is taking a hard stance on identity theft. Because appropriating someone else’s identity to open an account or obtain a driver’s license often involves such crimes as mail fraud, bank fraud and wire fraud, criminals can be subject to strong Federal sentencing guidelines. And as the FTC’s site illustrates, the courts are taking these crimes very seriously indeed.

Increased attention at the government level for identity theft is a very positive trend. As identity theft is such an easy crime to perpetrate, consumers can only stand to benefit from the continuing education, helpful resources and simple techniques for safeguarding personal information that the FTC has presented on its new website.

Minimizing the risk of being a victim of identity theft is every consumer’s responsibility.