Identity theft affects millions of people each year, mostly young adults between 18-24 years old. Personal information is commonly stolen through phishing emails or text messages that install spyware, or via keylogging software that records passwords. To reduce risk, people should avoid sharing personal details unnecessarily and only get credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. If identity theft occurs, victims should close affected accounts, file a police report, and report the issue to the FTC.

1. Identity CrisisBy Nhu Nguyen

2. What it is.Happens when information is stolenInformation is used without your knowledgeMost people can be identified by:SexDate of birthZip code

3. The facts.Claims about 10 million victims per yearBusinesses can lose up to $50 million a yearMostly 18 to 24-year-olds are targetedAn average of $4,841 stolen per victim

4. More facts.703 out of 5,000 people surveyed nationwideVictims of identity theft55% never find out how their information was stolen12% increase from previous year

5. Extra facts.Takes an average of 132 days before fraudulent activity on credit cards is detectedAbout 11.1 million people are victims of all agesThe “free” product usually isn’t really “free”Has strings attached in most cases

6. The tools.PhishingE-mails take victims to fraudulent websitesSmishingText messages fool victims to download malicious spyware

7. More tools.PharmingMalicious code on computers send victims to fake websitesKeyloggingHidden software records victims’ keystrokes to collect passwords and other information

8. How to avoid it.Avoid carrying anything with your social security number on itNever give out personal informationOn the phoneOn the internethttp://www.annualcreditreport.comOnly website authorized to send orders for the free annual credit reportYou are entitled under law to receive one each year

9. What do to.Close accounts that have been affectedFile a police reportThis helps you claim your rightReport the theft to the Federal Trade CommissionOnlinePhoneMailThis report helps you claim your rights as a victim of identity theft

10. Citations. Klein, Allison. "18- to 24-year-olds most at risk for ID theft, survey finds." Washington Post 17 March 2010, OnlinePrint. "Your Access to Free Credit Reports." Federal Trade Commission. Mar. 2008. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. <http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.htm>. "Identity Theft - OnGuard Online." OnGuard Online. Feb. 2008. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. <http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/identity-theft.aspx>.