Identity Theft
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Identity Theft issues.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Cyber Stalking and Harassment
This resource provides information for victims of cyber/virtual stalking on where to call for support and advice, how to create a personalized safety plan to secure your data, and steps to take to protect yourself from virtual stalking.
Identity Theft Report
Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is one of several important steps that victims of identity theft should take. This can help you in recovering from identity theft and help law enforcers catch identity thieves.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission provides these clues that someone may have stolen your personal information.
Identity Theft Report
Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is one of several important steps that victims of identity theft should take. This can help you in recovering from identity theft and help law enforcers catch identity thieves.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
How to Fix Criminal Identity Theft On Your Pennsylvania State Police Record
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on how to deal with criminal identity theft - where someone who is arrested gives your name, date of birth, and/or Social Security number to the authorities. [PDF]
Pennsylvania Consumer Safety Issues (Audio-MP3)
Episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 7/26/07. Consumer legal issues in Pennsylvania such as cyber safety, identity theft, and the do-not-call list are discussed with Attorney General Tom Corbett. (27:32)
Protecting Yourself From Financial Exploitation
Information from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia) on how to prevent financial exploitation. [PDF]
Recognizing and Preventing Identity Theft
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Libel and Slander
Information on the law of libel and slander from the Erie County Bar Association.
IdentityTheft.gov - Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Website
This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
Identity Theft - Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has created a comprehensive web-based Identity Theft Toolkit to help the people of the Commonwealth protect themselves from predators and begin the recovery process.
Identity Theft: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
The Federal Trade Commission offers these resources outlining steps you can take to help minimize the damage to your account and credit when Identity Theft occurs.
Five Ways to Help Protect Your Identity (Video)
Identity theft affects millions of people each year. This video provides information you can use to learn how to make protecting yourself from identity thieves part of your daily routine.
Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number
Information from the Social Security Administration on protecting your Social Security number and preventing identity theft. [PDF] (July 2021)
Identity Theft: A Recovery Plan - What To Do If Your Identity is Stolen
If you suspect that someone has stolen your identity, acting quickly is the best way to limit the damage. Setting things straight involves some work. This guide from the Federal Trade Commission has tips, worksheets, blank forms, and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process. [PDF]
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securitieson how Identity Theft happens and what you can do to prevent it. [PDF]
Protect Yourself From Indentity Theft
Informational brochure how to protect yourself from Identity Theft, including Prevention Tips and Red Flags to look out for to alert you to potential problems. [PDF]
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission provides these clues that someone may have stolen your personal information.
You Can Fight Identity Theft
Information from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on a new type of Internet piracy called "phishing" - "fishing" for your personal financial information like account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that can be used to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards
Get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS (Video)
The Internal Revenue Service has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities. The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers' personally identifiable information. Learn how to get one to protect your identity.
Identitity Theft Central - Internal Revenue Service
Tax-related identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit tax fraud. This website from the Internal Revenue Service offers information and services for people who have been victims of tax-related identity theft.
Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits
Information on the signs that you may be the victim of identity theft through the filing of fraudulent unemployment claims and what to do to report it.
Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft is when someone steals or uses your personal information (like your name, Social Security number, or Medicare number), to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers without your authorization. Learn more on how this occurs and what to do if you are a victim.
People should be on the lookout for identity theft involving unemployment benefits
Scammers took advantage of the pandemic by filing fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation using stolen personal information of individuals who had not filed claims. Payments made as a result of these fraudulent claims went to the identity thieves. This Tax Tip from the IRS offers advice on what to do if you receive an incorrect form 1099-G regarding unemployment benefits.
Phishing
The OnGuardOnline.gov suggests these tips to help you avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam.
Report a Mail Crime
If you have witnessed or fallen victim to a mail-related crime, take action by filing a report of the incident. Find the right form, appropriate for your situation, to file in order to report the criminal conduct.
Cyber Stalking and Harassment
This resource provides information for victims of cyber/virtual stalking on where to call for support and advice, how to create a personalized safety plan to secure your data, and steps to take to protect yourself from virtual stalking.