Identity theft will cost U.S. consumers and their banks or credit card companies more than $1.4 billion in 2004. A typical victim spends an average of $800 and 175 hours over almost two years cleaning up after an ID theft incident. In an information-based economy, your personal information means as much to you as money in the bank meant to your grandparents. This book explains, in plain English, how to make sure your credit history, financial data, account information and other essentials remain safe. It combines interviews with law enforcement and security experts with case studies and examples to give readers the knowledge they need to avoid ID theft. And it includes practical advice about what to do when someone gets your information and starts using it illegally.