APWG and FTC combine to fight ID fraud

Agencies join forces to release safety guidance documents.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have pooled their resources and experience of combating identity theft and fraud, releasing two guidance documents with advice on avoiding the risk of phishing and ID crime.

Released as part of a country-wide campaign currently being run by the FTC, entitled 'AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend', the documents aim to educate Americans on avoiding identity theft, and on how to get advice, help and justice if they fall victim. FTC figures show that as many as 10 million US citizens may suffer from ID fraud each year, costing individuals $5 billion and businesses almost $50 billion.

The first document (PDF here) is a simple brochure outlining the dangers of identity theft, while the second (here) provides detailed advice for educators on getting the message across. A joint press release from the FTC and APWG is here.

03 September 2007

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