Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. More than 9.9 million victims were reported last year, according to a Federal Trade Commission survey! It takes the average victim an estimated $500 and 30 hours to resolve each identity theft crime.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of your personal information, such as your Social Security Number or driver's license number, and uses it for his or her own personal gain. The Federal Trade Commission has a website that will provide you with tools and resources to protect you from identity theft or help you if your identity has been stolen: www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years—and their hard-earned money— cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, are refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. Learn how to minimize your risk or recover from identify theft.
Resource
Brochure from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) covering the basics for military personnel and families: how to avoid and recover from identity theft.
