Defend Your Dollars

Consumers Union testimony on the Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2010

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:00:36 -0800

ID Theft Alert: Digital Copiers

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:43:28 -0800

CBS ran a story about what they found on four digital copiers.

Support for the Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:31:48 -0800

According to a 2007 FTC study, 8.3 million U.S. adults become victims of ID theft each year.

CR investigation reveals government among biggest sources of ID leaks

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:44:34 -0800

GAO Testimony on Identity Theft before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:29:28 -0800

GAO was asked to testify on how the loss of personally identifiable information contributes to identity theft. This testimony summarizes (1) the problem of identity theft; (2) steps taken at the federal, state, and local level to prevent potential identity theft; and (3) vulnerabilities that remain to protecting personally identifiable information, including in federal information systems.

Identity Theft

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:52:58 -0800

Was your personal information stolen and used fraudulently?

Model State Clean Credit and Identity Theft Protection Act

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:55:47 -0800

The State Clean Credit and Identity Theft Protection Act offers specific, workable provisions that state legislatures can adopt to reduce the risk of identity theft and to give consumers tools to prevent some of the harm from identity theft. The model law offers types of protections and of these that have actually been adopted by state legislatures. This model law was prepared by CU and the State PIRGs.

Security Breaches

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:37:12 -0800

Individuals need to know when there is a breach to the security of their sensitive personal information such as a Social Security number, government identification number, payment card information, or account number which provides access to finances or to financial information. With notice consumers can take the necessary steps to prevent or detect identity theft. Consumers Union supports laws that require consumers be notified of a breach when it occurs. This requirement creates incentive for both companies and government agencies to work to prevent future security breaches.

Fact Sheet about ID Theft

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:55:29 -0800

Over 261,891,160 records containing personal and financial information were involved in security breaches announced from January 2005 to June 2009.

CU's guide to security freeze protection

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:51:47 -0800

When a security freeze is in place, an identity thief cannot open a new account because the potential creditor or seller of services will not be able to check the credit file.

Alaska governor signs strong new ID theft law

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:08:56 -0800

New law includes toughest restrictions on collection and sale of Social Security numbers in the U.S.

CU supports federal bill to remove the SSN from newly issued Medicare cards

Fri, 30 May 2008 16:28:14 -0800

This legislation is a strong first step in protecting America's seniors from identity theft.

Stop phishing

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:13:55 -0800

Consumers Union’s Web Watch tips on avoiding phishing

Consumer groups urge FTC to support low cost, easy to use security freeze

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:00:33 -0800

The most effective state models meet that demand by providing affordable, accessible and convenient security freeze rights to all consumers.

CU says Social Security numbers need protection

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:42:45 -0800

Widespread use and availability of Social Security numbers puts Americans at risk of ID theft