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Attorney General Koster releases Resource Guide on Identity Theft

 

June 23, 2015

 

Attorney General Koster releases Resource Guide on

Identity Theft

–booklet gives tips on preventing ID theft, protecting privacy, and repairing damage —

 

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said today his office has developed a new Identity Theft Resource Guide that is available to the public. The guide informs Missourians on steps they should take now to protect themselves from becoming a victim and how to repair the damage caused by identity theft.

 

Koster said identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, affecting more than 10 million victims every year.

 

“Identity theft is often a devastating, costly experience,” Koster said.  “We are providing Missourians with detailed information to help protect their personal privacy and to repair damage to credit records if they ever become a victim of identity theft.”

 

The new booklet can be viewed online at https://www.ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/publications/identitytheft.pdf?sfvrsn=2.   Printed copies of the guide can be ordered at https://ago.mo.gov/other-resources/publications/order-publications.

 

Koster said identity thieves can get victims’ personal information a number of ways, including going through trash, stealing mail, wallets, or purses, obtaining credit reports by posing as an employer or landlord, or filling out a “change of address” form diverting their mail to another location.  He said the booklet includes detailed information about how to prevent identity theft, where to obtain free annual credit reports, and sample forms and letters to use if someone suspects he or she may be a victim of identity theft.