PCCD Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Protect Against Identity Theft

Identity Theft Action Plan Available Online to Help Consumers

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is reminding holiday shoppers to protect their identity and personal financial information from being stolen or compromised.

Tips on how consumers can avoid identity theft, as well as suggested actions to take if they suspect their identity has been compromised can be found online at www.identitytheftactionplan.com.

"Consumers need to be proactive, especially during the busy holiday season, in monitoring their personal information, including their bank and credit accounts," said PCCD Chairman Walter M. Phillips Jr. "PCCD's Identity Theft Action Plan website is a great resource to help consumers protect themselves and their financial security."

The website also features a printable brochure that includes a special "tear off" checklist for consumers to write down their credit, bank and driver license information. This checklist can be stored in a secure location and accessed quickly should a consumer suspect their identity has been stolen.

Nearly 10,000 Pennsylvania consumers filed ID theft complaints to the Federal Trade Commission in 2009. Of those complaints, 20 percent reported credit card fraud as the nature of identity theft. The U.S. Department of Justice cites ID theft as the number one crime in the nation, surpassing drug trafficking.  

For more information, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us or call 717-705-0888.

Media contact: Tara Mead, 717-265-8470

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency