Ask the Readers: Are You Worried About Identity Theft?

by Jason Unger

As we learned yesterday, anyone can fall for a scam online — even the director of the FBI.

Although there are a number of scams you could fall for online, one stands as the most feared: identity theft.

In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an entire Website dedicated to teaching you how to recognize and avoid identity theft.

Here’s their official description of the crime:

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn?t make?or until you?re contacted by a debt collector.

So, I want to know: are you worried about identity theft?

Answer the poll below and then let me know why in a comment.

[poll id=”25″]

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