Identity theft is big business. Losses to businesses total $50 billion annually,
the Federal Trade Commission reports. In the last five years, 27 million Americans have had their identities
stolen, with 246,000 in 2006 alone. To those whose identity is stolen, the aftermath is aggravation, confusion and
hours of wasted time. You, too, could be a victim of id theft. It occurs when someone pretends to be you, using
your Social Security number, your credit cards and your bank account numbers to borrow money, open new
credit card accounts or charge thousands of dollars to buy cars, clothes or vacations. Read on to see how thieves get your personal information and how to protect yourself. Read more...