Reviews and compiles the latest statistics on the incidence and societal cost of identity theft (IT). Generally, IT or identity fraud involves "stealing" another person's personal identifying info. -- such as Social Security number, date of birth, and mother's maiden name -- and then using the info. to fraudulently establish credit, run up debt, or take over existing financial accounts. This report provides info. on: the extent or prevalence of IT; the cost of IT to the financial services industry, including direct fraud losses, staffing of fraud departments, and effect on consumer confidence in online commerce; the cost of IT to victims, including victim productivity losses, out-of-pocket expenses, and cost of being denied credit; and the cost of IT to the Fed. criminal justice system.