Schools

Liz Kniss Talk on Identity Theft

Each year more and more people become victims ofĀ identity theft.Ā The Federal Trade Commission estimates as many asĀ 9 million U.S. residents have their identities stolen each year. The most common and most difficult to catch isĀ New Account Fraud, where the victim's personal information and credit scores are used to open new accounts. Others become victimsĀ ofĀ 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 ownĀ criminal recordĀ 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.Ā  Protect yourself! Find out how you can prevent identity theft and what you can do if your identity has been stolen.Ā 

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.