You’ve probably heard about it in the news.

It may even have happened to someone you know.

The FBI calls identity theft one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States and estimates that 500,000 to 700,000 Americans become identity theft victims each year.

Identity theft is a federal crime. It occurs when one person’s identification (which can include name, social security number, or any account number) is used or transferred by another person for unlawful activities.

This booklet is designed to help you understand what identity theft is, how it happens, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take if your identity is stolen.

A Spanish version, Robo de Identidad, is also available.

Due to extremely high demands and limited supply, we are only able to allow one free copy per customer. There is a charge of $1.00 for each additional copy.

For a copy of this brochure, contact us:

e-mail:
PublicComm.Affairs-Bos@bos.frb.org

mail:
Identity Theft Brochure
Public and Community Affairs Department
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
P. O. Box 55882
Boston, MA 02205

You may also wish to view or order our video, Identity Theft: Protect Yourself.