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This guide was developed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, as part of its ongoing work to educate consumers about identity theft. You may find it helpful to first view the guide’s companion DVD, Deter, Detect, Defend, a brief video that provides an informative overview. This effort focuses on what each of us can do to make a difference, and specifically what you can do to make a difference.

While there are no guarantees about avoiding identity theft, it’s important for you to know how to:

• Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your personal information.
• Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
• Defend against identity theft as soon as you suspect a problem.

Awareness is among the most powerful tools in the fight against identity theft. And that’s where you play an important role.

The more you know how to protect your identity and what to do if a problem occurs, the harder it is for identity thieves to commit their crimes.

By educating audiences at work, in your community, at your place of worship or anywhere else, you can help the people you care about:

• Save time and money by reducing their risk of being victimized, detecting any problems quickly and knowing what to do.
• Avoid or reduce the emotional stress that often comes with identity theft.
• Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from better understanding this issue, and knowing how to take action.

Talking About Identity Theft: A How-To Guide provides you with what you need to be an effective communicator about identity theft.

Here, you will find advice and guidance on how to get the word out by organizing a meeting and by reaching out to your local media, and the materials you need, from speeches and presentations to press releases. All the materials, including the guide itself, are available in both English and Spanish.

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