Each year more and more people become victims of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission estimates as many as 9 million U.S. residents have their identities stolen each year. The most common and most difficult to catch is New Account Fraud, where the victim's personal information and credit scores are used to open new accounts. Others become victims of Friendly Fraud, which is committed by people the victim knows such as roommates or co-workers. In some instances, thieves are able to push their own criminal record onto the individuals whose identity they have stolen.
Unfortunately, many people don't discover they have been victimized until the debt collector is at their door. Protect yourself! Find out how you can prevent identity theft and what you can do if your identity has been stolen.
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