Identity theft includes use of another person's identity to purchase goods, as well as committing crimes in someone else's name and thereby giving that person a criminal record. An estimated 500,000 to 700,000 persons are victims of identity theft each year. They obtain identifying information by stealing a wallet or purse, taking credit card slips from the trash, obtaining information from dishonest employees, and other means. Victims receive little help from the organizations who issued the identifying information. Law enforcement does not investigate many such crimes. Victims often spend large amounts of time to address the issue. Federal and State laws make identity theft a crime. However, more laws are needed to create incentives for the credit industry to change how they do business. Legislation also needs to address the needs of victims who have wrongful criminal records. Lists of print resources and web sites regarding identity theft