Identity theft and other financial crimes often leave an indelible mark on your life and can prevent you from moving forward financially. Your credit rating can be adversely affected, compromising your ability to lease or buy a house, a car or to receive approval for a college loan.

As a victim, you have access to resources under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, including access to a clearinghouse of information and hotline to help you interact with agencies charged helping you to minimize the impact of identity theft. Telephone operators are available to help you resolve credit-related problems created by the misuse of your identity. The information taken by the operators is also placed in a national database that police agencies use to prevent future identity theft.

To learn more about identity theft and its prevention, please visit www.idtheft.gov or call the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Identity Theft hotline at 1-877-ID-Theft (438-4338).

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office of Victim Witness Advocacy can help coordinate the services you need as your case progresses through the criminal justice process. Contact the Office at 973-621-4687 for more information. You may also contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Financial Crimes Unit at 973-621-7220 for additional information.