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.

The consequences of identity theft can be staggering. Victims spend extensive time closing bad accounts, opening new ones, and fixing credit records. There can be high out-of-pocket expenses related to clearing your name. You could be denied loans and jobs — and, though unlikely, you could even be mistakenly arrested as a result of crimes committed in your name.

Download Identity Theft, A Free Booklet

Pdf format, 452kb, 22pages.

Identity Theft, A Free Booklet Official Website

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Identity Theft: Protect Yourself Video

Identity fraud is quickly becoming a major crime in the United States. As part of their ongoing commitment to consumer education, the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston and San Francisco have released a video on identity theft, entitled "Identity Theft: Protect Yourself." The video was produced by Richard Walker, Vice President & Community Affairs Officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and was developed in conjunction with the interagency Identity Fraud Task Force.

This 13-minute video details how easily personal financial information can get into the wrong hands, allowing criminals to unlawfully obtain credit in your name. Through interviews with victims, law enforcement, and industry representatives, this video aims to provide consumers with ample information on how to protect their vital financial information. The video also outlines what a consumer should do if they suspect that their identity has been stolen.

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