Identity Theft FAQ

Questions:

• How can my identity be stolen?
• What can I do to protect my identity from theft?
• What are the chances my identity will be stolen and what can the thief do with my personal information?
• Are there any laws that specifically prohibit identity theft?
• What should I do if I discover that my identity has been stolen?

Answer:

What are the chances my identity will be stolen and what can the thief do with my personal information?

Identity theft is a growing national epidemic. The 2011 report on identity theft by Javelin Strategy & Research estimated that in 2010 approximately 8.1 million U.S. adults were victims of identity theft, costing consumers a whopping total of $631 billion nationwide.

An identity thief can cash a check, obtain a loan, open credit accounts and charge them to the max, rent an apartment, buy a car, purchase a cell phone and talk to someone all day, and, worse, commit a serious crime -- all in your name.