FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

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interactive toolkit
1

About this toolk

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, 

has developed this toolkit to help organizations combat identity theft 

by raising awareness and educating people through a Protect Your 

Identity Day. This kit provides information and sample materials to 

help plan and host a successful Protect Your Identity Day. 

Included in this kit is a CD that contains the entire kit contents, which you 

can customize and print. The CD also includes Deter, Detect, Defend

videos for computer broadcast and Talking About Identity Theft: A 

How-To Guide, which offers more sample materials, including a speech, 

presentation, and template media materials in English and Spanish. You 

also can download that guide at ftc.gov/idtheft. 

This kit also includes a DVD that features Deter, Detect, Defend videos 

for television broadcast.

How to use the CD-R

1. Load the CD-ROM in your computer.

2. PC: If you use Windows, Autorun will 

launch the program automatically. If 

Autorun is not active, double-click the 

“My Computer” icon and then doubleclick on the “Interactive Toolkit” icon.

 MAC: Double-click the “Interactive 

Toolkit” icon then double-click the file 

you would like to view.

How to use the D

Follow the normal loading instructions for 

your DVD player.

how to plan & host

protect your identity days

Table of Content

About Identity Theft.

• Tips: Avoid ID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend

About Protect Your Identity Day.

• Host a Protect Your Identity Day

Outreach To Media.

• 6 Steps to Media Success 

• Plan a Media Event

Outreach To Partners. 

• 5 Steps to Successful Partnerships

Plan Events. 

• 8 Steps to a Successful Event

• Sample Run of Show

• Sample Talking Points

• Sample Official Proclamation

• Sample Consumer Quiz

Additional Resources. 
3

About Identity The

What is Identity T

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying 

information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card 

number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. 

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 10 million 

Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone 

you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. 

Identity theft is serious. People whose identities have been stolen can 

spend hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours cleaning up the mess 

thieves have made of their good name and credit record. Consumers 

victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be 

denied loans for education, housing, or cars because of negative 

information on their credit reports. They may even be arrested for 

crimes they did not commit. The potential for damage, loss, and stress is 

considerable.

How do thieves steal an id

Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying 

information. For identity thieves, your name and Social Security number, 

credit card numbers, or other financial account information is as good as 

gold.

Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your 

information: 

 They may steal your mail, wallet, or purse.

 They may get personal information from you by posing 

as legitimate companies through email, in a practice known as 

“phishing.” Or they might lie to you on the phone.

 They may take your information from businesses or other 

institutions by stealing personnel records, bribing or conning an 

employee who has access to these records, or breaking into your 

records electronically.

Some identity theft victims even report that their information has been 

stolen by someone they know.

Tip  Avoid ID Theft: Deter, Det

While nothing can guarantee that you won’t become a victim of identity 

theft, you can take specific steps to minimize your risk, and minimize the 

damage if a problem develops. It’s about following the “3 D’s” of identity 

theft protection – Deter, Detect, Defend.
4

5

Order your credit report:  The law requires the major nationwide credit reporting companies – 

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to give you a free copy of your 

credit report each year if you ask for it. 

 Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a 

service created by these three companies, to order your free credit 

reports each year. Or you can complete the Annual Credit Report 

Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request 

Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You can 

download the form at ftc.gov/freereports.

DE

Defendgainst IdeityTheftas soonas

you suspecta robl

Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review 

the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain 

procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make 

certain changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide credit 

reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 

90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient: 

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. 

Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts 

you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain. 

Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or 

established fraudulently.  Call the security or fraud departments of each company where 

an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in 

writing, with copies of supporting documents. 

 Use the Identity Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your 

written statement. 

 Ask for written verification that the disputed account has been 

closed and the fraudulent debts discharged. 

 Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations 

about the theft.

File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to 

help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

Report your complaint to the FTC. Your report helps law 

enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

Online: ftc.gov/idtheft

By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261

DE

Detidenity teves by afegding

youinfoio

Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal 

information before you discard them.

Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social 

Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on 

a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another 

identifier. 

Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through 

the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the 

contact and know who you are dealing with. 

Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in 

a Web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus 

software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit 

OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.

Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s 

maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. 

Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, 

especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are 

having work done in your house.

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Detct suspicitivity rouinely

moitoring r nncial accou

biling stament

Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:  Mail or bills that do not arrive as expected.  Unexpected credit cards or account statements.  Denials of credit for no apparent reason.  Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.

Inspect:  Your credit report. Credit reports have information about you, 

including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.

 Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and 

billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not 

make.
7

About Protect You

Identity D

The Federal Trade Commission helps people learn how to minimize the 

risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. 

While there is no fool-proof way to avoid identity theft, there are ways to 

minimize the chances of becoming a victim and minimize the damage 

should a theft occur. Hosting a Protect Your Identity Day can show 

your community how. 

Law enforcement officials, state attorneys general, state and local 

government, and community and business leaders each can play a pivotal 

role in educating the public. We encourage you to host a Protect Your 

Identity Day in your community. 

There is no single date for a Protect Your Identity Day. You can 

designate any day that works for your community or organization. 

The important thing is to take the lead in educating your particular 

community about avoiding identity theft. 

Host A Protect Your Identit

Hosting a Protect Your Identity Day is easy, and there are many ways 

to do it. When, where, and how it happens is up to you. Consider hosting 

a media event, such as a press conference, to raise awareness of the 

Day and the issue. Or stage a dedicated event at your local civic center, 

police station, mall, public library, or university. Or arrange a booth at 

an existing community event, such as a county fair or festival. You might 

consider hosting a “shred event” so people in your community can shred 

unwanted personal information and records. This could be a half-day 

or full-day event. If you are interested in expanding your reach and 

resources, recruit a partner organization as a co-sponsor. 

Here are three possible approaches for implementing your Day: 

1. Media outreach

2. Partnership outreach

3. Events

We offer step-by-step guidance and customizable template materials to 

help you implement each approach. Different levels of engagement will 

enable you to use your resources to maximum effect. 
9

Outreach T

When hosting a Protect Your Identity Day, you can work with local 

media to spread the word to your community about identity theft and 

demonstrate your group’s commitment to fighting this crime. 

Media outreach takes many forms – from a call to a reporter to suggest 

a story to issuing a formal press release to organizing a media event. 

All can be effective. The important thing is to tailor the outreach to your 

organization’s particular approach to Protect Your Identity Day. 

Following are two sections that offer basic guidance about reaching out 

to media and planning a media event. 

For more information on media outreach and template media materials, 

please visit ftc.gov/idtheft, and refer to the CD in this kit. See Section 7 

of Talking About Identity Theft: A How-To Guide. 

6 Steps to Media Succe

Protect Your Identity

Whether your organization plans on releasing helpful tips to consumers 

about how to combat identity theft on its Protect Your Identity Day

or hosting a full scale media event, six general steps can help you get 

positive media coverage for your event.

1 Selec a Target 

Determine who you want to reach. This may include businesspeople, 

financial planners, teachers, your employees or organization’s members, 

or local officials. You may wish to focus on a particular population, such 

as older citizens or students.

2 Develo a Med

Once you have identified your target audience, create a media list. It 

should be comprised of media outlets (local newspapers, television/

cable stations, and radio stations) and reporters at each outlet who may 

find the identity theft issue relevant to the subject area they cover. Include 

these journalists’ names and contact information (phone, email, fax, 

address) on your list. By communicating with specific individuals at news 

outlets, you are more likely to get a response.

3 Find the News An

Identity theft is an issue that gets coverage. However, to generate local 

media interest, your organization should consider what will make your 

Protect Your Identity Day a compelling story. Consider including 

some of the following to strengthen your local news hook:
10 11

Pla a Media Event on Prot

Identity D

Media events or press conferences allow you to deliver your story to 

many media outlets at once. When planning a media event, consider:

Timing. Check your local calendar listings before planning an event

make sure it doesn’t conflict with another major media event. The best 

time to schedule a media event is 10 a.m. This allows time in the morning 

for the media to review the story options for the day. Consider also that 

your event might be more successful at certain times of the year (for 

example: during tax season when financial issues and identity theft are 

more top-of-mind for consumers).

Location. Ideally, the location of the event should be relevant to 

issue or story being presented. Take the time to scout your location 

before you choose it, and visit it again a few times before you host the 

event. Think about what equipment you will need (for example: podium, 

microphone, other A/V items, media check-in table), as well as space 

requirements to accommodate attendees and potential press.

Inviting Guests. Consider inviting community leaders, includ

the mayor, local law enforcement, local city council members, and noted 

identity theft experts to speak at a news conference. Also, be sure to 

invite individuals from the community who may wish to learn more about 

identity theft (for example: religious groups, fraternal organizations, 

military, business people, and educators). 

Inviting Media. The most effective way to invite media to a p

conference is through a media advisory. Send your advisory to the 

reporter about 10 days before your event and again the day before the 

event. 

other Considerat

Do you need to prepare signs, like banners and podium signs, that 

can be placed in front of cameras and photographers?

Do you have an agenda or “run of show” that outlines the flow of 

the media event?

When will you brief assigned spokesperson(s) before the media 

event, go over the event agenda, and prepare for potential questions?

Who is creating the press kits, including the agenda, fact sheet, 

bios of speakers, press release, and other relevant materials?

Time the event around a major identity theft story in the news, 

possibly when arrests, indictments, or prosecutions are made; during 

National Consumer Protection Week (early March); or around 

spring cleaning or back-to-school times, when people are thinking of 

financial issues. 

Local statistics that highlight the prevalence of identity theft in 

your county, city, or state. The FTC compiles statistics on identity theft 

complaints by state and city. 

Tips and resources consumers can use to deter, detect, and defend 

against identity theft.

Any partners your organization has chosen to work with to hold a 

Protect Your Identity Day.

4 Prepare Media Material

Once you have your core story idea in place, prepare press materials. Key 

materials include:

Press release – A one- to two-page document with information 

about your group’s Protect Your Identity Day and a quote from 

your spokesperson(s).

Media advisory – A one-page document inviting journalists to 

attend a Protect Your Identity Day media event, should your 

organization decide to host one as part of the day. The advisory should 

highlight basic information (who, what, when, and where).

Talking points – A one- to two-page document with basic talking 

points for your spokesperson(s), which highlight how to deter, detect, 

and defend against identity theft.

For a full suite of template media materials, please visit ftc.gov/idtheft

or refer to the DVD in this kit and see Section 7 of Talking About 

Identity Theft: A How-To Guide. 

5 Identifya Media Spoke

It will be helpful to identify possible spokespersons early on whom 

the media can interview. These could be a victim who can offer firsthand testimonial and an expert – either a law enforcement officer or a 

politician. A strong spokesperson is credentialed and knowledgeable 

about the identity theft issue and is comfortable speaking to the media. 

If your spokesperson wants more information on identity theft, he or she 

can get up to speed at ftc.gov/idtheft.

6 Contact (or “Pitch”) th

Contact the media about 10 days prior to Protect Your Identity Day. 

Typically, it is helpful to send an email pitch first that includes your press 

release. Follow up with a phone call to the reporter the next day. 
13

Outreach to 

Developing relationships with like-minded organizations is an important 

part of outreach efforts as you work to deter, detect, and defend against 

identity theft. By joining credible partners who can help expound on 

your identity theft messages, you can add depth, multiply your “arms and 

legs,” and increase consumer awareness about identity theft.

5 Steps to Successful Protect

Identity Day Part

1 IDentify Your 

To decide which partners are a good fit, list local organizations that 

your audience knows and trusts. Seek advice from others like local law 

enforcement agencies, for example, on which organizations they would 

recommend aligning with for a Protect Your Identity Day. 

Some partners that may be appropriate for identity theft prevention 

include: 

Consumer groups (victims’ 

assistance, legal aid...)

Law enforcement agencies 

(police departments, state 

attorney general’s office...)

City, county, and state 

government (Department of 

Motor Vehicles, local Social 

Security office...)

Faith-based organizations 

(churches, temples, mosques, 

synagogues...)

Media organizations (radio 

stations, television stations, 

newspapers...)

Business and labor 

organizations (grocery stores, 

real estate offices, financial 

advisors, local unions, utility 

companies...)

Seniors’ groups (assisted living 

facilities, area agencies on 

aging, senior centers...)

Education groups (schools, 

libraries, universities...)

Medical community (hospital 

administrators, pharmacies, 

health centers...)

Military (base officials, 

veterans, family support 

offices...)
14 15

4 Be Clear on Who is Do

Confirm your partnership arrangements in a letter or email to your new 

partner organization. This document can be a simple list of the details 

of the partnership. You may want to include a summary of the role and 

responsibilities of each partner, as well. 

5 Communicate Clearly & Fr

Once your partnership is established and outreach is underway, keep 

your partner(s) informed and involved. It is important to keep local law 

enforcement agencies aware of your work, too, because they are your 

allies in the fight against identity theft. Give them notice of any events or 

special projects that you host. 

2 Do Your Homework & Make

Learn as much as you can about any prospective partners: their role in 

the community, how they are impacted by identity theft, and how their 

mission relates to the community or consumer protection and/or privacy. 

As you approach potential partners, remember that enthusiasm goes a 

long way. Call or set up a meeting to start the ball rolling and gauge their 

interest. During this meeting, tailor your presentation to the particular 

group as much as possible, and highlight how the partnership could 

benefit their group. Be prepared to speak about the benefits of addressing 

identity theft together, the potential “win-win” of a partnership, and 

background about Protect Your Identity Day and identity theft.

3 Pla a Protect Your Id

Once you and your partner(s) have agreed to work together, establish 

a plan for your Protect Your Identity Day, starting with a 

group brainstorm about how this day could look. Clarify roles and 

responsibilities, and reach consensus on your goals and strategies for 

success. 
17

plan Eve

A successful Protect Your Identity Day event can raise awareness 

about identity theft by bringing together a wide range of participants 

and reaching a wide range of people – either directly or through media 

coverage.

8 Steps toa Successful Protec

Identity Day E

Following are some important considerations for planning a Protect 

Your Identity Day event.

1 Determin

Check your newspaper’s local calendar listings before planning an event 

to avoid conflicts. If you plan on inviting the media, the best time to 

schedule an event is 10 a.m.

2 Establih a B

What the event looks like and where it is held will be determined largely 

by your budget. For example, holding your event at a hotel will involve 

considerable fees. However, a local police station may be more than 

willing to offer space at no cost. It is important to prioritize the elements 

you want in place to make your Protect Your Identity Day a success.

3 Secue a 

The location of the event should be relevant to the issue or story being 

presented, be accessible to public transportation, and have ample 

parking. Scout a few locations before making your choice, and visit a 

few times before you host the event. Anticipate what equipment will be 

necessary (for example: podium, microphone, other audiovisual items, 

media check-in table), as well as space requirements to accommodate 

attendees and potential press. Think about police stations, law 

enforcement offices, grocery stores, places of worship, senior centers, 

community recreation centers, schools, universities, libraries, public 

parks, museums, or other community locations.

4 Develop the Run of S

Another important element to consider is the agenda or general run of 

show for the day. Think through the full event agenda, considering a 

variety of factors: food and beverages; hand-outs; parking; audiovisual 

needs; room set-up, and length of program. See Sample Run of Show 

on page 19.
18 19

Sample Run Show

9:30 am –10:00 am Arrivals / Refreshments 

Guests, media (if invited) check in 

10:00 am –10:05 am Introductions / Opening Remarks 

Your organization’s leader makes welcoming remarks

Local official makes remarks about identity theft

10:05 am –10:20 am Deterring, Detecting, and Defending 

Against Identity Theft in Our Community

10:20 am – 10:30 am Identity Theft Panel Discussion

Several victims of identity theft share their experiences 

and convey lessons learned

10:30 am – 10:50 am Questions & Answers 

All

10:50 am – 10:55 am Closing Remarks

Distinguished guest makes closing remarks 

(mayor or other “VIP” figure)

10:55 am – 11:00 am Conclusion

Your organization’s leader thanks everyone for attending

Sampleingoint

The following are suggested talking points to include in your Protect 

Your Identity Day. They are general and can be tailored to fit your 

particular event. 

The Federal Trade Commission is working with law 

enforcement agencies, businesses, consumer groups, and 

organizations across the country to educate people about identity 

theft. The agency is encouraging organizations to host Protect Your 

Identity Days throughout the year and throughout the nation to 

increase awareness about deterring, detecting, and defending against 

the crime. 

Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal 

information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit 

fraud or other crimes. 

Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your 

credit and ruin your good name. 

While there are no guaranteed ways to avoid identity theft,

you can minimize your chances of becoming a victim and minimize 

the damage should a theft occur.  Deter thieves by safeguarding your information. Shred 

sensitive materials, protect your Social Security number, and never 

give out personal information on the phone or Internet. 

 Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your 

financial accounts and billing statements. Inspect your credit 

report, and be alert to unusual signs, like bills that don’t arrive or 

denials of credit.

5 Invit

Guest

Consider inviting community leaders, including the mayor, local council 

members, law enforcement experienced in dealing with identity theft, and 

identity theft experts. A proclamation from a prominent official is useful, 

whether the official is attending or not. See Sample Proclamation 

on page 20. Invite other guests, including all the organizations and 

individuals you support or with which you’re involved. 

They may include: 6 Invite P

The most common way to invite media to a press conference is by 

developing and distributing a media advisory to reporters. Send the 

advisory to the reporter about 10 days before your event and again the 

day before the event. See Outreach to Media, Step 6: Contact (or 

“Pitch”) the Media on page 10 for details. 7 Create Mate

Whether you are developing a basic invitation and agenda for the day, 

or a full suite of Protect Your Identity Day materials (for example: 

flier, poster, press materials, agenda, identity theft tips, t-shirts, balloons), 

build in enough time to create the materials, get input on them from 

others, revise them appropriately, and produce them. One way to engage 

the audience on identity theft is to test their knowledge of the issue, 

with an informative quiz that can be used as a handout. See Sample 

Consumer Quiz on page 20. The FTC’s “Avoid ID Theft: Deter, Detect, 

Defend” logo and materials are available for your use at no cost. 

This kit and many of the FTC publications listed on page 23 

can be ordered in bulk, for free, from bulkorder.ftc.gov.

8 

nlizeLoisti

Ensure that all logistical details are thought out, implemented, 

and double-checked. This could include audiovisual, invitations, 

spokespersons, and materials. 

For more information about Events, see Outreach to Media, 

Plan a Media Event on Protect Your Identity Day, on page 11.

Consumer groups

Victim advocacy groups 

Community or neighborhood 

associations

Volunteer and/or charitable 

organizations

Civic organizations, local 

business groups, or chambers of 

commerce

Law enforcers

Professional associations 

(outside the workplace)

High school or college alumni 

groups

General public (families, 

individuals) 

Former identity theft victims

Media

Other
20 21

4. I can use passwords like my birthday, my mother’s maiden name, or 

the last four digits of my Social Security number when I’m online. 

Identity thieves are clever, but they’re not likely to take the time to 

figure these things out.

5. If I think my identity has been stolen, I need to close any accounts that 

have been tampered with, place a “Fraud Alert” on my credit reports, 

file a police report, and contact the Federal Trade Commission to file 

a complaint.

6. If I don’t enter my personal information online, I probably don’t have 

to worry about identity theft.

Answer

1. False. Identity thieves are clever and can do quite a bit of damage 

using your Social Security number. Your Social Security number is 

as good as gold. Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry 

your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security 

number on a check. Find out why someone needs it, or ask to use 

another identification number. 

2. True. Our trash can be a treasure trove for identity thieves because 

some of what we might throw away, like bank or credit card 

statements, can include sensitive information on it. Shred all mail or 

documents that include personal information. 

3. False. It is crucial to monitor your financial accounts and billing 

statements regularly. Identity thieves are sneaky and sophisticated, 

and sometimes, the way people find out their identity has been stolen 

is by checking their credit reports. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com

or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your free credit reports each year. 

Regularly read your financial statements as well. Identity thieves strike 

everywhere, even in the safest of communities. 

4. False. Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, or your 

mother’s maiden name. Identity thieves are likely to start with 

this information, knowing that many consumers rely on “easy-toremember” passwords like these to protect their most sensitive 

information.

5. True. Once your identity has been stolen, the thief has your good 

name and credit at his/her fingertips. Alerting the relevant authorities 

can stop further damage to your identity and help law enforcement 

work to protect you (and others who may be impacted).

6. False. Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get your 

information, such as stealing your mail, wallet, or purse; obtaining 

personal information from you by posing as legitimate business 

people; stealing personnel records from employers; or hacking into 

computers.

 Defend against identity theft as soon as you suspect it.

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, close accounts that have 

been tampered with, file a police report, and report the theft to the 

FTC. 

To combat identity theft, the FTC leads a nationwide education 

program: Avoid ID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend. 

To learn more, visit ftc.gov/idtheft.

Sample Pr

Whereas, identity theft is a serious crime, one that impacts people from 

all walks of life and in our community; and 

Whereas [insert organization] is committed to fighting identity theft by 

collaborating with local residents and other organizations to educate the 

public about this issue; and

Whereas [insert organization] has a proud history of [insert your 

organization’s mission descriptor such as “fighting for justice,” or 

“serving all peoples,” etc.]; and

Whereas the Federal Trade Commission wishes to educate all Americans 

about how to avoid identity theft by deterring, detecting and defending 

against it; and

Whereas [insert name of city, state] recognizes that ongoing education 

and preparation for safe communities is necessary for a peaceful quality 

of life,

Now, therefore, I, [insert official’s name], of the City of [insert city], do 

hereby proclaim the day of [insert month, date, year] as: Protect Your 

Identity Day. 

Be it further resolved that [insert name of city, state] agrees to support 

this effort in our community in order to become a leading model of safety, 

shared learning, and prosperity.

Sample Consum

True or F

1. It’s okay if I carry my Social Security card around with me. Identity 

thieves need far more than this number to successfully steal my 

identity.

2. By shredding a lot of mail that contains my personal information on 

it, I am helping to deter potential dumpster divers, who might take my 

mail and then steal my identity.

3. I don’t need to check my credit that often; I know it’s rock solid and I 

live in a safe community where identity thieves aren’t likely to strike.
23

Additional Reso

More information on identity theft is available online at ftc.gov/idtheft, 

or by phone at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338). 

Many of the FTC publications listed here can be ordered in bulk, for free, 

from bulkorder.ftc.gov.

AvoID id Theft: Deter, Detect, Defe

A toolkit to educate organizations or constituents about identity theft and 

how to deter, detect, and defend against it. It includes:

 Talking About Identity Theft: A How-to Guide

 Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft

 Avoid ID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend brochure

 Avoid ID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend video

FTC Public

Deter, Detect, Defend: Avoid ID Theft. Tri-fold brochure with 

tips for consumers on how to deter, detect, and defend against identity 

theft. This is the best publication to share with the audience at your 

Protect Your Identity Day event.

Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft. The FTC’s

 comprehensive guide for victims of identity theft. Includes the ID

 Theft Affidavit.

Remedying the Effects of Identity Theft. Summarizes your 

rights if you’re a victim of identity theft.

What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been 

Compromised. How to respond if your personal information is 

compromised as a result of a security breach at another organization.

Identity Crisis...What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen.

Advice on dealing with identity theft.

How Not to Get Hooked by a Phishing Scam. How to avoid 

online scammers who want to steal your personal information. 

Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards: What To Do If They’re Lost 

or Stolen. Outlines procedures for reporting loss or theft, and for 

minimizing your risk. 

Your Access to Free Credit Reports. Explains your right to a 

free copy of your credit reports and how to order online, by phone, or 

through the mail. Also includes a copy of the standard credit report 

request form.

How to Dispute Credit Report Errors. Explains how to dispute 

and correct inaccurate information in your credit report, and includes 

a sample dispute letter.
24

Medical Identity Theft. Explains how medical identity theft 

occurs and how it differs from traditional identity theft. Offers tips to 

minimize your risk and how to recover should you experience a theft.

Fair Credit Billing. Explains the Fair Credit Billing Act, which 

establishes procedures for resolving billing errors on your credit card 

accounts, and includes a sample dispute letter.

Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers. Answers 

commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt 

Collection Practices Act, which prohibits debt collectors from using 

unfair or deceptive practices to collect overdue bills. 

Stop. Think. Click. 7 Practices for Safer Computing. Provides 

practical tips to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure 

your computer, and protect your personal information. Available at 

OnGuardOnline.gov.

To Buy or Not To Buy: Identity Theft Spawns New Products 

and Services to Help Minimize Risk. Explains when you 

should initiate fraud alerts or credit freezes and how to evaluate credit 

monitoring products and services. 

Extra! Extra! Count on Scammers and Schemers to Follow 

the News. Warns consumers that scammers claiming to be from the 

Internal Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration may 

call or send emails saying they need personal or financial information 

to deposit a tax or government rebate check directly. The scammers 

then use that information to commit identity theft. 

Military Personnel & Families Fighting Back Against 

Identity Theft. Explains how to deter, detect, and defend against 

identity theft to military personnel and their families, who have special 

rights. 

Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business.

Offers tips for business on creating and implementing a plan for 

safeguarding personal information. Interactive tutorial is available at 

ftc.gov/infosecurity.

Consumer Sentinel net

A free tool from the FTC for law enforcement. Consumer Sentinel

enables searches of millions of fraud and identity theft complaints 

online. To become a member of the network, visit 

Register.ConsumerSentinel.gov.
To learn more about identity theft and how to deter, 

detect, and defend against it, visit ftc.gov/idtheft. Or 

request bulk orders for free, from bulkorder.ftc.gov.