The Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse is the federal government’s database for tracking identity theft complaints. It was created pursuant to the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998, and began operation on November 1, 1999. The FTC established the Identity Theft Toll-Free Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) and the ID Theft Web site to give identity theft victims a central place in the federal government to report their problems and receive helpful information. Complaints received from victims of identity theft via the hotline or online complaint form are entered into the Data Clearinghouse.

The Clearinghouse, and integrated part of the Consumer Sentinel system, contains more than 279,000 complaints as of January 1, 2003.

• The Data Clearinghouse information is shared electronically with other law enforcement agencies nationwide via Consumer Sentinel. The Clearinghouse, an integrated part of the Consumer Sentinel system, now contains more than 279,000 complaints. The Clearinghouse information provides law enforcement agencies with a broad range of complaints, allowing them to spot patterns of illegal activity.

• The Clearinghouse information enables policy makers to get a sense of the extent of identity theft and how it's taking place (e.g., credit card vs. phone fraud, latest scams, etc.).

• The Clearinghouse provides information to some private entities to enable them to better protect consumers from identity theft.