AvoID Theft - Deter, Detect, Defend

The National Association of Realtors is teaming up with the Federal Trade Commission to help educate consumers about the growing problem of identify theft. The Federal Trade Commission currently estimates that there may be as many as 10 million victims of identity theft each year! Studies estimate the annual cost to consumers to undo the harm caused by identity theft to be $5 billion, while it is estimated that identify theft costs businesses nearly $50 billion in lost revenue annually. These are clearly alarming numbers!

The FTC has received thousands of real estate related identity theft complaints. Oftentimes consumers first learn they are victims of identity theft when attempting to buy a home, shattering dreams of home ownership and forcing victims to rebuild their good name and destroyed credit.

The Federal Trade Commission has come up with a number of helpful suggestions to help combat identity theft, revolving around three themes--deter, detect and defend. These suggestions are outlined in a helpful brochure for consumers. This brochure is must reading and may help you avoid becoming victimized by the growing menace of identity theft.

AvoID Theft - Deter, Detect, Defend