Identity Theft on the Rise

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.

And in light of increasing numbers, this week has been named, "National Protect Your Identity Week" by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

It's a crime with more than ten million victims, including Catherine Estergren, who had checks stolen out of her mailbox.

"The bank called me after I didn't have any money in my account and I was way overdrawn," said Victim of Identity theft Catherine Estergren.

The thieves used Estergren's checks in five states and withdrew more than seven thousand dollars.

"I got all kinds of collection letters from all over these states," said Estergren.

Estergren's story is a classic case of identity theft.

"It takes years and again tens of thousand of dollars to correct what has happened in maybe just a week or two or a month," said Austin Police Department Lt. John Mueller.

Police say this crime is on a rise because of the poor economy and another reason.

"Because of technology makes it sometimes easier or more accessible there is certainly more information out there," said Mueller

But officials say there are ways to protect yourself, including checking all financial accounts frequently, checking your social security statement and your credit report annually, and put limited information on your checks and over the internet.

"And certainly not ever, ever, ever have your banks send you checks," said Estergren.

It's been a long last two years for Estergren.

"Pretty sad, and all of your credit is just ruined," said Estergren.

And unfortunately for her, the fight may not be over she still has some checks out there and even though her account is closed if those checks are ever used she will have to deal with the pain again.

"My name's on there and they would try to collect it from me," said Estergren.

And that's something she doesn't want to happen to anyone else.

Identity thieves go after anything that connects your name with a number so that includes your date of birth, Social Security number, passport, driver's license number, and of course financial accounts.