Paperwork Cut for Identity-Theft Victims

The Federal Trade Commission announced streamlined paperwork to help victims of identity theft cancel fraudulent credit card, utility and bank accounts set up in their names.

FTC Chairman Timothy Muris said the agency has developed a single affidavit that dozens of credit bureaus, banks and other financial institutions have agreed to accept, rather than requiring victims to fill out separate forms.

Consumers can find out more about identity theft by logging on to the FTC’s Web site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.