Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem in today's technological society. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information - such as your name, social security number, or credit card number - to commit fraud or theft. Most frequently the "thief" will make purchases using your bank or credit card account number, or open new charge accounts in your name.

If you are victimized by identity theft, repairing the damage done to your reputation and credit rating can be frustrating, time-consuming and costly. Learning how to protect yourself from this crime is your best defense. Information is available from the following sources:

The Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) at the Virginia Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services produces several helpful
publications on identity theft. They are available on the OCA website
on their "News and Information" web page under the heading
"Consumer Press Releases".

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) also produces several
publications to help inform individuals about identity theft. They are
available on the OGA's web page.

Other contacts for victims of identity theft.

Note: Links to web sites produced by organizations other than the Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) are provided for your convenience. When you select one of these links, you will leave VDA's web site. VDA is not responsible for the content of linked web pages, and does not endorse products or services that may be offered on the linked pages. Also, the privacy policies of these sites may differ from the privacy policy followed by the Department for the Aging. Please report incorrect or outdated links to VDA's Web Designer.