Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when your personal information (anything from your Social Security or bank account numbers to your name and address) is stolen and the thief is able to use your information to commit fraud or theft, potentially damaging your credit record and good name in the process.
The most common examples of identity theft include credit card fraud, phone or utility fraud, bank fraud, employment-related fraud, government document or benefit fraud and loan fraud.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) an estimated 27.3 million Americans have been victims of identity theft. The average amount stolen per fraud victim has risen from $5,249 in 2003 to $6,383 in 2006.
Identity theft is not strictly an online crime. Some of the most successful thieves employ low-tech methods such as stealing your mail, checking your garbage for receipts and statements or grabbing your purse or wallet.
Find out how you can protect yourself or your business:
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