What is identity theft?

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. The FTC estimates that 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft occurs when thieves use your personal information (such as your Social Security number or driver's license number) to gain access to money, credit, goods or services in your name. Since your name is used for these activities, companies come to you seeking repayment of the money or goods that were illegally obtained. While legally you do not owe anything, it can often be difficult to prove this and it can take months and even years to get everything straightened out, costing you a huge amount of time and resources. In the meantime, you can be left with no access to credit as credit card companies, banks, utilities (phone, cell phone, cable) and other financial institutions can cut off your credit accounts until your good name is restored. Many people have actually been arrested and jailed because an identity thief committed crimes in their name.

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