Educated Consumers Are The MVP On Identity Theft

In her remarks, she highlights the important role that educated consumers play as "MVP's" on the identity theft prevention team: ""The undisputed MVP on the ID theft prevention team is the educated consumer. Education empowers, and nowhere is it more important than in the fight against identity theft."

Unlike professional football, identity theft does not have an off season. Together, we must combat identity theft 365 days per year. I understand that the heavy-lifting on this front is being done by state and local law enforcement.

That being said, there are a number of ways that we can partner as we move forward.

First, I encourage every organization, whether a government agency, consumer group, university, or business to share the ID theft prevention tips at OnGuardOnline.gov with employees, customers, students, members, and constituents. OnGuard Online is branded independently of the FTC, so that your organizations can make the website and the important information your own.

Second, I encourage each of you to file comments and participate in the FTC’s ongoing FACT Act rulemakings.

Third, I hope that all of the law enforcement agencies participating in today’s summit also will join the FTC at the three upcoming identity theft seminars to be held here in California this spring. And finally, I hope that every law enforcement agent will take advantage of the Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, an invaluable resource.

Related articles: Identity Theft: I Should Be The First To Know by Russ Jones, Glenbrook Partners.