Front Range Financial Consulting

You can help arm yourself against identity thieves by taking advantage of the wealth of information available. Here are just a few of the best online resources, ranging from facts and tips to specific steps in reporting identity crimes:

• The Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft Web site is a comprehensive online resource. You can also call the FTC at 877-438-4338 and request printed materials about identity theft.
• The Better Business Bureau offers valuable reports and articles about new ID theft tactics and measures to protect yourself and your family.
• Looks too Good to Be True.com is a site sponsored jointly by the federal government and private industry. It includes consumer alerts, new scams underway, reports of actual identity theft cases, and other useful information.
• Fight Identity Theft is a privately-developed site that includes the latest news about identity theft and fraud, preventive strategies, online discussion forums and a great deal of practical information for consumers.
• AnnualCreditReport.com is the central site where you can request your free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. You are entitled by law to these free reports.
• OnGuard Online provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help consumers guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect personal information.
• The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is specifically devoted to “cyber crime,” including identity crimes carried out via the Internet. Sponsored by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, IC3 provides valuable alerts regarding the newest types of cyber crimes.