Victims of identity theft can spend years attempting to re-establish their financial history and good name. Some have been denied jobs or arrested for crimes in which they were not involved.

Identity thieves use several methods to get what they need. They may trick people into giving personal information over the telephone. They also may steal documents containing such information.

Activist groups have called for new laws to protect the public from identity theft. Recently, a committee of the United States Senate said it would hold hearings on the issue.

Two cases of identity theft helped the committee to call the hearings. Last month, Bank of America said it lost computer tapes containing personal information for more than one million federal employees. They include some Senators and members of the Defense Department. Bank of America says it deeply regrets the incident.

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