9 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year (7% of all adults over 16). The FTC calls it the fastest-growing crime in the US. Can start from a lost wallet, stolen mail, data breach, or discarded credit card offer. Consequences: drained bank accounts, false tax returns, fraudulent credit lines, damaged credit scores, even criminal record alterations. Protection services: monitor all three major credit bureaus, flag suspicious activity immediately, alert by email/text, freeze activity. Restoration: dedicated expert handles remediation, plus up to $1M in reimbursement for stolen funds, legal fees, and recovery expenses. Cost: approximately $20/month. Available as a voluntary employee benefit via payroll deduction. Case study: James, 45, good credit — shredding failure led to $9,000 fraudulent charges, fake tax return, 120+ point credit score drop. ID protection caught it immediately, froze bureaus, assigned restoration expert.