In This Chapter

An FTC study in 2006 found that about 12 percent of identity theft is committed by a family member or friend. The fraudster may have been a child, parent, stepparent, best friend, confidant, or even a present or former spouse.

It’s a devastating situation. On one hand, the victim feels betrayed, psychologically and financially violated. On the other hand, the victim may still feel sentimental ties to the family member, and may be reluctant to get the important law-enforcement report. Family and friends may try to intercede on behalf of the person who wronged you, to protect him or her from prosecution or legal action by companies who were defrauded. If the thief is a co-worker, your supervisor might want the incident covered up, so as not to bring bad publicity to the company.

This chapter focuses on how to deal effectively with circumstances in which you may feel ambivalent. I’ll show you how to protect yourself, hold the revealed impostor accountable, and handle this difficult situation effectively.