Identity Theft Reporting/Recovery Programs

Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that people can use to report instances in which someone fraudulently obtains private information about an individual, e.g., his or her Social Security number, uses it to apply for credit in that person's name, runs up large bills and then disappears without paying the bills leaving the victim with ruined credit. Identity thieves may also purchase expensive medical services in the victim's name, or give the victim's name and personal information to a law enforcement officer leaving the individual subject to arrest. Identity thieves may also steal the identities of individuals who are deceased. Also included are programs that help identity theft victims re-establish their identity and credit standing.