Identity theft - fraudulent use of a person's name and identification information to obtain credit, merchandise or services - is a big and growing problem.

In 2000, the Federal Trade Commission labeled identity theft, with more than 600,000 victims that year, as America's fastest growing crime. Since then, the problem has only grown larger. A survey conducted by the Center for Social & Legal Research, a nonpartisan think tank, estimates that there were 7 million victims of identity theft in 2002.

The Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants is providing this information as a public service, to help consumers understand, deter and, in worst case situations, recover from this growing threat.

• Deter - Detect - Defend : Resources to fight back against identity theft
• Common Sense Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
• What is Identity Theft?
• How to Avoid Identity Theft
• How to Check Your Credit Information
• Preventive Actions to Minimize Damage
• What to Do if You are a Victim of Identity Theft
• Use of a "Borrowed" Social Security Number May Not be Detected by Checking Your Credit Repor t: In this SmartMoney.com story, reporter Aleksandra Torodova describes circumstances in which people may "borrow" a Social Security number and use it to establish their own credit history.