New ID theft website offers up-to-date info for consumers

The Consumer Federation of America today unveiled a new identity theft website, www.idtheftinfo.org to help individuals and businesses access the best information on preventing and detecting identity theft, as well as dealing with its aftermath.

The new site offers a variety of consumer resources, including steps to take if you've been a victim, information on medical and online privacy, and numerous links help sources ranging from the Federal Trade Commission to the not-for-profit Identity Theft Resource Center's victim assistance service.

The site also details best practices for companies selling identity-theft and fraud-prevention services, including avoiding misleading claims, taking care in the use of testimonials, and clear disclosure of their services' costs and features. Susan Grant, the CFA's Director of Consumer Protection, said the practices were created by representatives from consumer groups, not-for-profit services, and identity-theft product providers, among others.

One notable section is devoted to shopping for identify-theft services. The section includes information on what to check when considering an ID theft company, and a download of the FTC's fact sheet on how to decide whether to buy the coverage at all. Grant said that in including these resources, her organization was not necessarily endorsing the services. The CFA prominently notes on it shopping page that claims about such products are "sometimes exaggerated or misleading."

"In the tips that we give, we explain all the things consumers can do themselves, from trying to keep their information more secure to checking credit reports themselves, to security freezes," Grant said. "We've been careful not to endorse a product or to say that all consumers should get identity-theft services. But if they are interested—and [such services are] heavily advertised—consumers need to think about what information they need to choose a service that fits their needs."

In its August issue, Consumer Reports Money Adviser noted that ID theft protection services such as credit monitoring are of dubious value.

Grant said the site would be continually updated to include news and updated resources for consumers. For example, she said she was currently preparing tips to help consumers in flooded areas from phone scams involving fraudsters posing as FEMA representatives.

Consumer Reports, whose parent company, Consumers Union, is CFA member, recently updated its Ratings of computer security software (available with subscription). Consumer Reports Money Adviser's August issue offers five simple ways to head off identity thieves.

—Tobie Stanger