Identity Theft
Legal Information
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Avoid ID Theft (Video)
Each year, millions of Americans have their identity stolen. The Federal Trade Commission wants you to have the information you need to protect yourself against identity theft. This video can help educate viewers to save time and money by minimizing the risk of becoming a victim and reducing the emotional stress that often comes with identity theft. Read More
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- Federal Trade Commission
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Credit
The use of credit is a way of life in the United States. At any one time, about three-fourths of American households have some form of debt, including credit purchases of cars, appliances, clothing, vacation trips and other goods and services. Just over two-fifths of households have loans secured by their homes—in other words, mortgages. This web site will help you understand the rules, regulations, and laws about consumer installment credit, designed to protect you, the consumer. Content Detail
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- American Bar Association
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Credit and your Consumer Rights
A good credit rating is very important. Businesses inspect your credit history when they evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and even leases. They can use it when they choose to give or deny you credit or insurance, provided you receive fair and equal treatment. Sometimes, things happen that can cause credit problems: a temporary loss of income, an illness, even a computer error. Solving credit problems may take time and patience, but it doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Content Detail
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- Federal Trade Commission
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Credit - An FTC Consumer Law Web Site
This web site contains over 100 documents that deal with credit issues, including credit scams, privacy issues, identity theft, electronic banking and credit cards. The web site also contains information for businesses. The documents may be viewed and printed from the screen or printed in PDF format. Content Detail
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- Federal Trade Commission
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Criminal Identity Theft: What to Do if It Happens to You
Criminal identity theft occurs when an imposter gives another person's name and personal information such as a drivers' license, date of birth, or Social Security number (SSN) to a law enforcement officer during an investigation or upon arrest. Or the imposter may present to law enforcement a counterfeit license containing another person's data. Content Detail
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Defend: Recover From Identity Theft
Take steps to respond to and recover from identity theft as soon as you suspect it. Content Detail
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Fast Facts - How to File a Complaint
PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail
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- SC Department of Consumer Affairs
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Fast Facts - SC Department of Consumer Affairs
PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail
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- SC Department of Consumer Affairs
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FTC Web Site: E-Commerce and The Internet
Education is a key tool to prevent consumer injury. In this section of our website, you’ll find publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics. Content Detail
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- Federal Trade Commission
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How Do I Protect My Privacy? (Video)
Protect your privacy and information from identity theft and financial fraud. Read More
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- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
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Identity Theft
How can someone steal your identity? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, are refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. Content Detail
- By:
- Federal Trade Commission
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Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. When a dishonest person has your Social Security number, the thief can use it to get other personal information about you. Most of the time identity thieves use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards and do not pay the bills. You do not find out that someone is using your number until you are turned down for credit, or you begin to get calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for items you never bought. Content Detail
- By:
- Social Security Administration
