END ID THEFT

Welcome to the Maricopa County Attorney’s web site on combating identity theft. Here you will find the tools necessary to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft and information that you will need if you are unfortunate enough to become an identity theft victim.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is on the cutting edge of identity theft prosecution. We were one of the first offices in the country to implement a separate bureau dedicated to prosecuting fraud and identity theft.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WIN A FREE SHREDDER

Winner - Bill & Maria Doyle!

Congratulations! Bill & Maria Doyle from Phoenix are the new winners in the Free Shredder Giveaway from End ID Theft.com! They are pictured here accepting their prize from County Attorney Andrew Thomas.

Sign up for End ID Theft e-mail alerts and be automatically entered into our monthly drawing for a free personal *shredder! Alerts will make you aware of the identity theft news and tips you need to know to stay safe! (*Shredder courtesy of Wal-Mart)

ID THEFT RESOURCES

Planning A Summer Vacation? Be A Privacy-Smart Traveler
Many people are scaling back their summer vacation plans because of the current economic situation. Some are staying closer to home. Others may be taking shorter vacations. But it's important to remember that when you travel, your risk of exposure to fraud and identity theft may increase. It's a fact that people tend to let their guard down while on vacation. Criminals know this. Click here for helpful tips

New Identity Theft Kit Now Available
A new identity theft kit is now available through the Federal Trade Commission. The kit supports federal efforts to reduce the risk of becoming an identity theft victim and identifies resources to help identify those who are victims of identity theft. Visit www.ftc.gov to get more information, including free brochures; an educational video and presentation slides.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC has released its 2008 annual report detailing consumer complaints about fraud and identity theft. Arizona remains number one in identity theft complaints per capita. Visit the FTC www.ftc.gov website to learn more about how Arizona fared or download the full report click here.

New Federal Law Targets Identity Theft
In October 2008, President Bush signed into law a bill that seeks to make it easier for prosecutors to go after cybercrooks, while ensuring that identity theft victims are compensated for their time and trouble when convicted identity thieves are forced to cough up ill-gotten gains. "The Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2008" lowers the bar prosecutors need to clear before bringing cybercrime charges against an individual.

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