Identity Theft

[jeffrey]

Some way, somehow, somebody got their hands on your social security number or another critical piece of identifying information and used it to become you.

Approximately 7 million adults were victims of identity theft in 2003 -- the latest figures available -- according to Gartner, Inc. That equals 19,178 people a day, 799 per hour, or 13.3 a minute, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) in San Diego.

Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but it's hardly becoming. Your new double may be jeopardizing your financial security by opening new lines of credit or procuring unsecured loans under your name.

A damaged credit report could prevent you from obtaining a student or home loan, securing a more favorable interest rate on an existing loan, or even getting a job. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, act fast as you want to limit the amount of damage that has already been done... money.cnn.com]