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The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act became law on October 30, 1998, as a response to the growing problem of identity theft. The Identity Theft Act confronts identity theft in three main ways.
Identity theft is knowingly transferring or using someone else’s means of identification without their knowledge or approval with the intent to aid or abet any unlawful activity.
The short answer is that everyone is affected by identity theft. This crime affects individuals, who may suffer psychological as well as monetary damages; businesses, as they must find ways to protect their customers from identity theft while not falling prey to it themselves; and it affects the nation as a whole, as millions of dollars are spent every year preventing and recovering from identity theft.
One of the main thrusts of the Identity Theft Act is to address victims’ rights. Consumers who suffer identity theft are now regarded as true victims. Up until the Identity Theft Act was passed, only creditors who had lost money were considered victims.
Victims of identity theft, or anyone wanting education on how to prevent identity theft, can call the FTC’s toll-free hotline: 1-877-ID THEFT (438-4338). Specially trained counselors will answer consumers’ questions and help them solve identity-theft related problems.
The government has a website with resources on identity theft at www.identitytheft.gov. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission offers resources at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft.