ID theft -- beware the hype
If some of the numbers being cited about identity theft are to be believed, it's just a matter of time before some unseen cyber-hustler steals your name, empties your bank account and wrecks your financial reputation. You can almost hear the maniacal laughter.
By some measures, one in five Americans has been hit. Another common statistic is that 10 million people fall victim every year.
Making matters even scarier, new laws in California and other states have forced companies to essentially tell all U.S. consumers when their personal data have been compromised -- even if the files have not actually been maliciously used.
In response, Congress is considering bills to restrict the flow of personal information. And identity theft monitoring services have sprung up that can cost consumers well over $100 a year.
