Michael J. Arata 
Identity Theft For Dummies 

Practical solutions to help you deter, detect, and defend
against identity theft

In 2008, 9.9 million Americans became victims of identity theft.
The cost exceeded $48 billion in 2008; consumers spend some $5
billion out-of-pocket each year to clear up resulting fraud issues.
This guide will help keep you from becoming the next victim.

Written by a veteran security professional, Identity Theft
For Dummies gives you the tools to recognize what information
is vulnerable, minimize your risk, stay safe online, and practice
damage control if your identity is compromised.

* If you have a name, a date of birth, and a Social Security
number, you’re a potential victim; this book helps you recognize
your risk and defend against identity thieves

* Explains what identity theft is, how it happens, and how to
recognize if you have become a victim

* Shows how to protect your personal information, how to be
discreet in public places, how to interpret your credit report, and
why you should monitor your financial statements

* Helps you recognize risks you may not have considered, such as
what you set at the curb on trash day

* Provides advice on how to clear your name if you are
victimized

Identity Theft For Dummies arms you to fight back against
this growing threat.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction.

Part I: Getting the Scoop on Identity Theft.

Chapter 1: Who’s Stealing What . . . and What You Can Do
about It.

Chapter 2: Mike’s Anti-Identity Theft Crash
Course.

Part II: Determining Whether You’re a Victim.

Chapter 3: Smelling a Rat: Recognizing Common Signs of Identity
Theft.

Chapter 4: Homing In on Financial Statements.

Chapter 5: Interpreting Your Credit Report.

Part III: Being Smart with Your Sensitive
Information.

Chapter 6: Keeping Tabs on Your Personal and Business
Information.

Chapter 7: Watching What You Set on the Curb.

Chapter 8: Practicing Discretion in Public Places.

Part IV: Arming Yourself against Potential Identity
Theft.

Chapter 9: Avoiding Loss of Your Identity: Online Services That
Can Help.

Chapter 10: Becoming Familiar with Identity Thieves‘ Scams
and Methods.

Part V: Safeguarding Electronic Information.

Chapter 11: Staying Safe from Online Threats.

Chapter 12: Dispensing Security with Windows XP, Vista, and
7.

Part VI: Taking Back Your Good Name.

Chapter 13: Starting the Process of Reclaiming Your
Identity.

Chapter 14: Closing Compromised Accounts.

Chapter 15: Opening New Accounts.

Part VII: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 16: Ten (Or So) Tips to Make Reclaiming Your Identity Go
More Smoothly.

Chapter 17: Ten Handy Resources.

Chapter 18: Ten Security Tools You Shouldn’t Be
Without.

Chapter 19: Ten (Plus One) Common Scams and How to Avoid
Them.

Index.

Über den Autor

Michael J. Arata Jr. has more than 20 years of experience in security, crisis management, business continuity, and international investigations. He has developed and managed successful security programs for large organizations and performed numerous credit card fraud and embezzlement investigations.