Identity Theft     [Text-only version for printing]     [back to graphical version]
The following guide provides Web site links, a list of selected books, and access to online periodical articles about this subject. The Web site links have been researched, evaluated, and annotated by Rio Hondo College Librarians. The Librarians have specifically selected these Web sites to meet the research needs of Rio Hondo College students

Web Site Links

General Resources

Fighting Back Against Identity Theft     http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
How can someone steal your identity?  Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number, credit card or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.  This Web site, maintained by the Federal Trade Commission, offers up-to-date steps to take if you suspect you are a victim, as well as excellent tips on what to do to prevent identity theft.  The site information is also available in Spanish. 

Identity Theft (Better Business Bureau)     http://www.bbbonline.org/idtheft/index.asp
This site has some interesting facts and news stories about identity theft.  It also provides a useful quiz that tests just how vulnerable you are to identity theft and then gives advice based on your score.

Identity Theft and Fraud     http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
This is a very thorough and easy to understand site from the United States Department of Justice on the subject of identity theft.  It explains what it is, how it's done, what the Department of Justice is doing about it, what you can do about it both preventatively and after the fact, and provides links to other information on this subject.

Identity Theft Prevention and Survival     http://www.identitytheft.org/index.htm
Although this site has several links to products for sale, it also has excellent information on the issue of identity theft.  The "ID Theft FAQ" is very useful, as is the link "Identity Theft Resources."  These links offer very clear and practical advice.  There is also a section on the actual federal laws concerning identity theft as well as links to other valuable web sites.

Identity Theft Resource Center     http://www.idtheftcenter.org/
Identity Theft Resource Center's mission is to research, analyze and distribute information about the growing crime of identity theft.  Is serves as a resource and advisory center of identity theft information for consumers, victims, law enforcement, the business and financial sectors, legislators, media and governmental agencies.  The site offers current information on this subject, including tips on how to prevent identity theft and news about the latest scams and consumer alerts to be aware of.  There are also current statistics given.  The site information is also available in Spanish.

Identity Theft Resources     http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is a nonprofit consumer information and advocacy program.  It offers consumers a unique opportunity to learn how to protect their personal privacy.  The site is current and offers statistics, free publications, victims' stories and links o other sites dealing with this issue.  The site information is also available in Spanish.

U.S. Department of Education : Identity Theft     http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/misused/idtheft.html
This series of four pages explains why college students should be concerned about identity theft, how to reduce the risks, and what to do if identity theft occurs.

Identity Theft and the Internet

Identity Thief Goes "Phishing" for Consumers' Credit Information     http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/phishing.htm
This Federal Trade Commission press release explains how the "phishing" scam is used to fool Internet users into providing sensitive information online.

Spoofing: Spam Scammers Hit a New Low With Spoofed E-Mail / by Harry A. Valetk     http://wiredsafety.org/law/spam/spoofing.html
Have you ever gotten replies to emails that you never sent?  This article reprint explains how Internet spammers copy, or "spoof," and use legitimate email addresses like yours and mine.

Books  
The following books can be located in the Rio Hondo College Library.

The encyclopedia of high-tech crime and crime-fighting
Call number: Ref HV6773.N48 2004

West's encyclopedia of American law
Call number: Ref KF154.W47 2005

Suggested Subject Headings
For additional titles on this topic at Rio Hondo, click on the following Library of Congress subject headings:

Computer crimes

Computer security

Identity theft--United States

Identity theft--United States--Prevention

Articles  
The Rio Hondo College Library provides online access to full-text articles through our online databases http://library.riohondo.edu/online_databases/index.htm.  Please note:  you must be a Rio Hondo College student, faculty, staff or board member to use these services.

The 3 sample searches below are from the ProQuest database.  Use Advanced Search and type each term in a separate box:

    1.  SU(identity theft)  [Scholarly journals, including peer-reviewed ]
    2.  SU(identity theft) AND SU(fraud)
    3.  SU(identity theft) AND SU(consumer protection)

Researched and evaluated by:
E. Ball, Librarian 10/2003
last update: T. Shabelnik, Librarian 3/2008   

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