Protect Your Identity; Protect Your Financial Future

MMI offers educational resources in honor of National Protect Your Identity Week

HOUSTON, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It can strike at any moment. Like a thief in the night, it is waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack the vulnerable - it is identity theft. Because identity theft is a serious crime affecting more than 10 million Americans every year, Money Management International (MMI), the nation's largest credit counseling agency, will participate in National Protect Your Identity Week 2010 (PYIW).  PYIW is a grass roots initiative created to build awareness and educate communities across the country about identity theft. This year's week-long event is slated for October 17-23, 2010.  

Prevention is the best defense against identity theft. Take part in PYIW and learn the risks and warning signs of becoming a potential victim.

• MMI is hosting two free webinars on protecting your identity. Join us on October 18th and 20th for the ID Theft Protection webinar. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim and what steps you need to take if it happens to you. Log on to MoneyManagement.org to register.
• MMI is also organizing several local shredding events to help consumers safely dispose of personal paperwork. To find a shredding event near you visit ProtectYourIDNow.org.

"At some point we've all fantasized about what it would be like to trade places with someone else. Well guess what, there's someone out there who isn't just fantasizing," said Cate Williams, vice president of financial literacy for MMI. "They are taking great strides to obtain your identity."

On average, identity theft victims will spend $850 to $1400 in expenses related to their cases, which includes paperwork and other legal fees. Anyone can become a victim, even children! The Associated Press reports that identity thieves are stealing children's social security numbers to obtain credit. Don't let this happen to your family.

For more information on local events during PYIW 2010 visit ProtectYourIDNow.org. If you think your identity has been stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1.877.ID.THEFT (438.4338) or visit https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.

About Money Management International

Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, full-service credit-counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers since 1958. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English or Spanish. To learn more, call 800.432.7310 or visit www.MoneyManagement.org.

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CONTACT:  Tanisha Warner, Media Relations, +1-713-394-3202, [email protected]

SOURCE Money Management International