SDSU CES: IDTheft

SDSU Cooperative Extension Service


	Identity theft is becoming an increasing problem of epidemic proportions across our nation. South Dakotans are not exempt from having their identity stolen and being submitted to the humiliation of proving (over months and even years) that they are not responsible for documented irresponsible spending sprees. Accompanying the threat of financial loss is the sometimes more encompassing loss of the feeling of personal safety (much like that experienced with the terrorists’ attacks of September 11, 2001). Take steps to protect yourself now by learning more about identity theft:
	How Does Identity Theft Happen? Don’t Be an Identity Theft Victim. What to Do if Your are an Identity Theft Victim?

	Know the facts about identity theft insurance - March 25, 2004 South Dakota lowest in identity theft - March 19, 2004 How Identification Thieves Target You - January 3, 2002 Tips to Avoid Being A Victim of ID Theft - January 3, 2002 What To Do If You Are An ID Theft Victim - January 3, 2002

	Tool for reacting quickly as an identity theft victim…. Read the pamphlet from the Federal Trade Commission entitled “ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name” and make a copy of the ID Theft Affidavit PDF, 153K to guide you in your actions.

	For South Dakota’s Law governing identity theft go to SDCL 22-30A-3.1.
	For a report of identity theft state-by-state go to Consumer Sentinel. Then click on the state map and then the state of your choice for the number of fraud and identity theft complaints from consumers and other latest statistics.

	For further information on this topic or to order and hard copy of the “How Does Identity Theft Happen?” brochure, please feel free to contact your local county Extension educator.
	How Does Identity Theft Happen? brochure PDF 32K


	The Today’s Ag TV program features a consumer fraud topic every first Sunday of the month at 10:35 p.m. on KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, SD, and KCAU-TV in Sioux City, IA. Rural Identity Theft - January 7, 2002 Sweepstakes and Pyramid Schemes Rob People - February 3, 2002 Relaxing Vacations Require Preplanning - March 3, 2002 Beware of Internet Scams - April 7, 2002 Prevent Excess Charges on Your Phone Bill by Avoiding Phone Scams - May 5, 2002 Be Wary of Fraudulent Practices in Sweepstakes - February 11, 2002 Specialist Offers Tips on Sweepstakes Obsession - February 11, 2002 Specialist Offers Tips to Avoid Pyramid Schemes - February 11, 2002 Travel Wisely During Spring Break - March 4, 2002 Be Wary of Crime During Spring Break - March 4, 2002 Be Wary of Five Common Internet Scams - April 8, 2002 Consumers Can Protect Privacy Online - April 12, 2002 Protect Your Identity By Opting Out of Sharing Information - April 15, 2002 Be Wary of Work-at-Home Schemes - April 15, 2002 Internet Can Threaten Privacy - April 19, 2002 Internet Auction Fraud Is Most Common Online Scam - April 25, 2002 Internet Investment Scams Prey on the Unwary - April 29, 2002 Understand Your Phone Bill - May 15, 2002 Personalize Your Telephone Plan - May 22, 2002 Quick Money Payday and Title Loans - July 1, 2002

	For receiving South Dakota Scam Alerts go to www.state.sd.us/attorney/index.htm (under Consumer Protection and Email Alerts) and sign up to receive them. At this same site are South Dakota news articles related to different frauds happening in South Dakota. Find the contents of the South Dakota Consumer Handbook or write for a free copy from: Office of the Attorney General Division of Consumer Protection 500 East Capitol Pierre, SD 57501 1-800-300-1986 (In state) (605) 773-4400

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