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San Diego, CA -
The Federal Trade Commission plans to study the experiences of
identity theft victims by conducting a survey of consumers who
contacted the FTC after they were victimized.
The proposed survey will examine the remedies available to
victims under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of
2003 (FACT Act). Among other things, the FACT Act gave consumers
the right to place fraud alerts on their credit files if they
are, or suspect they may become, victims of identity theft;
block information on their credit reports that resulted from
identity theft; and obtain copies of their credit reports free
of charge. The survey will seek information from identity theft
victims who contacted the FTC between January 1 and May 30,
2008, and will inquire about their experiences when they
contacted one or more credit reporting agencies and when they
sought to use their FACT Act rights. The survey results will
help guide the FTC's efforts to enforce the law and educate
consumers and the consumer reporting industry about their rights
and duties.
The study is being carried out pursuant to a recommendation by
the President's Identity Theft Task Force in its Strategic Plan.
Information about the Task Force is available at
www.idtheft.gov.
On June 24, the Commission approved the publication of a Federal
Register notice concerning the collection of information for the
proposed survey. The Federal Register notice, which was
published on July 1 and is required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act, will enable the FTC staff to conduct the survey. The FTC
invites comments on: (l) whether the proposed collections of
information are necessary for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including whether the information has
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of
the burden of the proposed collections of information; (3) ways
to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the
collections of information on those who are to respond,
including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other
forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses.
MEDIA CONTACT:
FTC Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180
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About the ICFE:
About the
ICFE:
The Institute of Consumer Financial Education (ICFE), founded in 1982 by the
late Loren Dunton (creator of the “certified financial planner” (CFP)
designation) and it is dedicated to helping consumers of all ages to improve
their spending, increase savings and use credit more wisely. The ICFE trains and
certifies Personal Finance Instructors for its own curriculum. It also trains
and certifies Credit Report Reviewers and Identity Theft Prevention Specialists.
The ICFE is an award winning, nonprofit, consumer education organization that
has helped millions of people through its education programs and resources. It
publishes the Do-It-Yourself Credit File correction Guide, now in its 16th
printing and has distributed over one million “Credit/Debit Card Warning Labels”
and “Credit/Debit Card Sleeves” world wide.
The ICFE became an official partner with the Department of Defense/Financial
Readiness Campaign in June of 2004.
The ICFE is also a partner in the national Jump$tart Coalition for Financial
Literacy and the California Jump$tart chapter. The ICFE staff is also active
with San Diego Saves, an offshoot of America Saves, and the California Student
Debt Resource Awareness Project (CASDRAP) (studentdebthelp.org).
The ICFE’s on-line help for consumers who spend too much was featured in PARADE
Magazine in the Intelligence Report section. The money helps and tips are from
“The Money Instruction Book,” a course in personal finance, positioned to become
among the premier programs in the new bankruptcy and debtor education
initiatives.
The ICFE Web site at:
http://www.icfe.info helps consumers with mending spending, learning about
the proper use of credit, budget and expense guidelines, how to set up and
implement a spending-plan and also how to access financial education courses and
videos and how to teach children about money. Other ICFE services include a free
eNewsletter, and an online resource center of financial education learning
tools, including videos, books, software and personal finance courses.
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