Protecting Your Finances

image with the statistic: since 2004, young adults have had the highest rate of self-reported victimization by identity theft (FTC, 2007) According to the Federal Trade Commission, as many as nine million Americans have their identities stolen each year. If someone finds a way to steal your private information, such as your social security number or credit card information, they may be able to make purchases, get a phone, rent an apartment, or order and use new credit cards - and it may be months before you find out. While some identity theft victims have been able to quickly resolve problems, many others take months to repair the damage done to their good name and to their credit rating.

How Do Thieves Get Your Information Interactive

What is Identity Theft? Video

Why Care About Identity Theft? Video

Phishy Home Video

What Do Thieves Do With Your Information?

Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. An identity thief can file a tax refund in your name and get your refund. In some extreme cases, a thief might even give your name to the police during an arrest.

Stolen Information Interactive

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