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Additional Resources
Module 2
How Credit Affects You
Identity Theft and Fraud
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Did You Know
  • Identity theft takes a number of different forms.
  • You can help to prevent identity theft by being careful with your personal information.
  • There are procedures to follow if you are a victim of identity theft.
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Identity Theft: A Growing Problem

How Identity Thieves Impersonate YouIdentity theft happens when an unethical person or group gathers enough information about you to successfully impersonate you by mail, telephone, online or in person. Thieves use a variety of methods to steal personal information such as Social Security numbers (SSN), driver's license numbers, credit card numbers, ATM cards and telephone calling cards.

They Can Steal Your FutureMake no mistake about it — even though identity thieves don’t open your wallet and physically steal your money, they are indeed thieves. They steal your personal information and your good reputation. If undetected, they also can steal your financial future.

You Can Protect YourselfIf you are the victim of identity theft, you could spend months, even years, cleaning up your credit record. During that time, you may miss out on job opportunities and loans because your credit has been blemished. That’s why protecting your personal information is more important than ever.

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