Senator Maria Cantwell: Fighting Identity Theft

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the country. Washington state ranks eighth in the nation in the rate of identity theft crimes per capita. In a typical identity theft, a criminal will steal personal information from a victim without his or her knowledge, and use that information to obtain credit cards or other financial services. In short order, the thief can rack up tens of thousands of dollars - or more - in charges, all in the name of the unsuspecting victim.

The result: the victim's credit record can be destroyed before they even realize their personal information has been stolen. Victims of identity theft experience unending frustration trying to restore their credit ratings. Identity theft victims often feel like they are victims twice - once when their identity is stolen and again when they struggle to cut all of the red tape trying to clear their good names.

Yet many Americans don't know about this insidious crime, or the serious and lasting consequences it can have for its victims. I created this web site to provide information about the steps you should take if you're a victim of identity theft , as well as how you can avoid being victimized in the first place . It also explains what I'm doing in the Senate to protect victims . In addition, there's information about the scope of the identity theft problem and links to federal and state government resources and non-profit groups dedicated to addressing identity theft. Together, we can raise awareness of this crime and help protects its victims.


Home Meet Maria Biography Constituent Coffee Photos News Press Releases Maria's Monday Memo Issues & Legislation Getting Results Committees & Legislation Agriculture Civil Liberties Coastal Issues Economy & Jobs Education Energy Environment First Responders & Crime Foreign Affairs Health Care Homeland Security National Guard Seniors & Social Security Transportation Veterans Constituent Services Help With Federal Agency Internships Visiting DC Service Academy Flags Biofuels Guide Contact Maria Email Office Locations
Maria's Monday Memo To sign up for Maria's weekly newsletter, enter your email address: Search The Site	Constituent Services Senator Maria Cantwell: Fighting Identity Theft Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the country. Washington state ranks eighth in the nation in the rate of identity theft crimes per capita. In a typical identity theft, a criminal will steal personal information from a victim without his or her knowledge, and use that information to obtain credit cards or other financial services. In short order, the thief can rack up tens of thousands of dollars - or more - in charges, all in the name of the unsuspecting victim. The result: the victim's credit record can be destroyed before they even realize their personal information has been stolen. Victims of identity theft experience unending frustration trying to restore their credit ratings. Identity theft victims often feel like they are victims twice - once when their identity is stolen and again when they struggle to cut all of the red tape trying to clear their good names. Yet many Americans don't know about this insidious crime, or the serious and lasting consequences it can have for its victims. I created this web site to provide information about the steps you should take if you're a victim of identity theft , as well as how you can avoid being victimized in the first place . It also explains what I'm doing in the Senate to protect victims . In addition, there's information about the scope of the identity theft problem and links to federal and state government resources and non-profit groups dedicated to addressing identity theft. Together, we can raise awareness of this crime and help protects its victims. Maria's legislation Victims' stories How to tell whether your identity has been stolen What to do if you are a victim of identity theft and how to repair damage to your credit record How to protect your identity Identity theft statistics Links to government agencies and advocacy groups
Home \| Meet Maria \| News \| Issues & Legislation \| Constituent Services \| Contact Maria