Guarding Your Privacy
- Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

Table of Contents

The following is a table of contents for the Guarding Your Privacy Handbook. You may click on the headers for more information on that topic.

Introduction

What is Personal Information and Identity Theft?

  • The Personal Information Trade
  • Identity Theft
  • Your Personal Information Is Not As Safe As You Think
  • Private Information Check List

How to Lessen Your Risk of Being a Victim

  • Remove Your Name from Marketing Lists
  • Don’t Be an Easy Target
  • Be Smart with Credit Cards
  • Shop Smartly Online
  • Freezing Your Credit Report

What to Do if You're a Victim

  • Take Action Immediately
  • Cleaning Up the Mess

Resources

Related Posts:

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that over eight million Americans become victims of identity theft each year, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. The problem has significantly increased over the last decade, with complaints about identity theft rising by more than 578% in the last ten years. Don't let this happen to you!

Beware of "Phishing"

We live in the land of 10,000 lakes, but not all fishing in Minnesota involves walleye or northern pike. Attorney General Keith Ellison warns consumers to be on guard against fraudulent operators "phishing" for personal information to use to commit identity theft.

Protect Personal Information

The amount of information sharing in this country is rising at a rapid rate. Thousands of companies compile personal information about consumers, which they use to create marketing "profiles." The companies then sell or trade the consumer "profile" to companies looking for potential customers to market.

This brochure is intended to be used as a source for general information and is not provided as legal advice.

Guarding Your Privacy: Tips to Prevent Identity Theft is written and published by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

This handbook is available in alternate formats upon request. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.