The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is charged with consumer protection. They work to educate the American public about deceptive trade practices, including identity theft. It’s the FTC’s job to track and identify the number of identity thefts and the monetary values of the losses.

Within the FTC is a unit called the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP). It works in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Office of the Attorney General, local law enforcement bodies, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and others to protect consumers from fraudulent activities and to protect financial institutions from the activities as well .

Depending on the nature of the crime, its severity, and its duration, other law enforcement bodies may play a role in capturing the thief, recouping losses, and preventing future instances of the theft. While a few bodies may claim responsibility for controlling the crime, many groups play a hand in its prevention.