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Business

Web site offers consumers proactive defense vs. ID theft

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.27.2006
Despite plenty of media horror stories, most consumers don't take significant steps to protect themselves against identity theft, right up until they lose their wallet, see a credit card charge that they don't recognize or find something ugly on their credit report.
The Federal Trade Commission, however, has the definitive Web site for helping consumers defend themselves against identity theft. Much of the information at the site, www.FTC.gov/idtheft, is better viewed before a problem arises, although the site does have suggestions to help recover once a consumer realizes that his or her personal information has been stolen.
For those who think they protect themselves and take all the right steps, a worthwhile stop would be the FTC's quiz for consumers. There is a link from the main page, or you can get to the quiz directly at onguardonline.gov/ quiz/idtheft_quiz.html .
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