Consumers should be aware of identity theft

FTC advises keeping close tabs on personal info Bonnie Troxell, Special to the Times-News Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — As many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, according to estimates by the Federal Trade Commission. Patricia Folk, president and treasurer of the Allegany County Teachers Federal Credit Union, reports that area consumers need to be aware that even though identity theft may not seem to be prominent in this area, it could happen to some individuals. Jane Troxell of Washington, a member of the credit union and a Cumberland native, discovered she was a victim of identity theft when a collection agency called and told her she owed $800 for cell phone charges. She didn’t have a cell phone, but the collection agency didn’t believe her. It took almost a year to track down where the... [read full story]