The protection of your identity is one of your most important responsibilities. The “theft” of your identity – your name, address, social security number, bank account numbers, etc. – can bring a good deal of grief into your life. The following are a number of sites that offer excellent information on how to protect yourself – both online and offline.

Federal Bureau of Investigation
“Protecting Yourself Against Identity Fraud”
http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/norfolk/1999/ident.cfm

“Identity Fraud is one of the fastest growing White Collar Crimes in the nation.  The perpetrators consider this a "faceless" crime, since their targets are financial institutions or retail stores.  Little if any thought is ever given…”

Federal Trade Commission
“ ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name”
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.cfm

“ Someone used my Social Security number to get credit in my name. This has caused a lot of problems. I have been turned down for jobs, credit, and refinancing offers. This is stressful and embarrassing. I want to open my own business…”

Social Security Administration
“When Someone Misuses Your Number”
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.cfml

“Your Social Security number is personal to you. It is the key to your Social Security earnings record and you're the only person with that Social Security number. When someone misuses your number, it generally means they're pretending to be you -- they assume your identity. And when someone pretends to be you, they can wreak havoc with your life.” 

United States Department of Justice
“Identity Theft and Identity Fraud”
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.cfml

“ Unlike your fingerprints, which are unique to you and cannot be given to someone else for their use, your personal data ­ especially your Social Security number, your bank account or credit card number, your telephone calling card number, and other valuable identifying data ­ can be used, if they fall into the wrong hands, to personally profit at your expense.”