News and Issuances

WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has joined the public-private coalition that supports Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW), an initiative of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Triads which will take place October 20–27, 2012. This year’s theme “ID Theft Protection on the Go” is focusing on how the increasing use of smart phones by consumers presents greater risks for identity theft.

“As a coalition member, the OCC supports the Protect Your Identity Week message that small steps can result in increased protection against identity theft. Consumers can use this week to do one of their periodic check-ups to assess their vulnerability to identity theft, and use the resources at the Protect Your Identity Week Web site to identify simple steps to reduce their risk of being a victim of identity theft,” said Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency.

The PYIW national campaign’s Web site – www.ProtectYourIDNow.org – highlights resources and community events aimed at identity theft protection and education. The OCC resources are available at the site, and other resources include consumer tips, videos and, an interactive quiz to assess an individual’s risk of identity theft. The OCC’s resources on identity theft may be accessed from the “Resources” section of the PYIW Web site. The Web site is also available in Spanish at www.CuideSuIdentidad.org.

Related Links 

• OCC Consumer Advisory – Avoiding ‘Card Skimming’ at ATMs and Other Money Machines
• OCC Fighting Identity Theft
• OCC Consumer Advisory – “Phishing”
• OCC If You Become a Victim of Identity Theft (PDF)
• OCC HelpWithMyBank.gov