According to the Federal Trade Commission approximately 9 million Americans are victims of Identity Theft ever year. Many people do not realize it when it happens to them. It could be as simple as obtaining a credit card to renting an apartment. Some problems are resolved quickly while others may spend thousands of dollars fighting to repair their good name and credit.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

• Monitor your accounts and bank statements every month
• Check your credit report regularly
• Educate yourself, your friends and your family

What do you do if your identity was already stolen?

• File a police report
• Notify Creditors
• Take immediate action!

Check out http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.html for more information on how you can protect yourself.