Web sites offer need-to-know information on identity theft

Someone may be out to steal your identity. And if it happens to you, it could cost you your good credit rating and force you to spend months repairing the damage — and face the possibility of losing thousands of dollars.

Identity theft is on the rise. It affects the rich, the poor and the middle class. Anyone with credit cards or bank accounts is a potential target.

Do thieves use the Internet to steal identities? Yes. But they don’t need it to do their dirty work. The Internet facilitates the theft, since there’s so much information about thousands of people on the World Wide Web. And once the thieves have what they need to assume someone’s identity and create credit accounts in that person’s name, the Internet makes getting credit and spending money in another’s name easier and faster.

You could be a victim. Fortunately, you’ll find lots of information on the Web about how to avoid the theft of your identity and what to do if you find out that someone is buying items on credit using your name and identity.

The Federal Trade Commission maintains a Web site devoted exclusively to identity theft at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft. It lists some of the ways that identity thieves work. The FTC offers the latest consumer alerts about scams, both on and off the Internet, that thieves use to get the information they need to get credit in your name.

This Web site points you to a more extensive discussion of identity theft by the FTC. It’s called “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft,” and you can go there directly at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm. This site contains the contents of a booklet that explores all aspects of identity theft and includes information on how theft occurs, how to minimize your risk and steps you should take if you’ve determined that someone has stolen your identity. The site also lists federal, state and local government resources that can help if you become a victim as well as how to contact major credit bureaus.

Identity theft can be particularly harmful to senior citizens. That’s why AARP offers tips at http://www.aarp.org/learntech/personal_finance/identity_theft_intro.html.

The FTC says about half of all identity thefts involve someone getting enough information about you to order credit cards in your name. Equifax, one of the major credit bureaus, offers a consumer service that it says can alert consumers that someone is using their identity to purchase items. For a yearly fee that varies according to the plan, you can subscribe to an online Equifax service called Credit Watch that monitors your credit file and alerts you via e-mail within 24 hours to changes in it, such as new account inquiries or updates reflecting late payments. To read more about this service, go to the Equifax Web site at http://www.equifax.com.

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Seven environmental groups have joined forces to create “About the Global Warming: The Early Warning Signs Map” at http://www.climatehotmap.org. Global average temperatures have warmed about one degree since 1900 and more than the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 1983. The map created on this Web page shows some of the events that are said to be the direct result of global warming. The map also identifies events that some experts say foreshadow the kinds of things that are likely to become more frequent as the planet warms.

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If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are officially a baby boomer and the Boomer Baby Memory Bank at http://www.octanecreative.com/boomerbaby is for you. The site was created to collect the memories of baby boomers. You’ll find memories of everything from world events, fashion, food and toys to television, music and transportation. Additionally, you’ll find links to other sites that might appeal to the baby boomer generation.

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The art, culture and history of ancient Mesoamerica are featured in an entertaining and educational Web site at http://www.ancientmexico.com. The site relies heavily on exciting graphics to tell the history of Mexico, Peru and Chile, and the prehistoric people who lived there. It’s an excellent example of the ability of the World Wide Web to teach and enhance educational pursuits in an entertaining way.

— Find something online you think others should know about? Or do you have a question? Let Dave Peyton know. His e-mail address is davepeyton@davepeyton.com.

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