BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Affinity Federal Credit Union has joined the growing number of credit unions partnering with Identity Theft 911 to help members in the ID theft battle. The credit union is offering members the popular RB421 program, which includes a combination of consumer education and victim resolution, for free. "Identity theft is a growing epidemic and of the highest concern to the American public and Affinity's members," said Affinity FCU Senior Vice President David Snodgrass. "Our members come first, and they deserve the best. As a true partner and advocate for our members, we wanted to take action that would alleviate their concerns and enable them to focus on the truly important things in life." According to the Federal Trade Commission, in New Jersey identity theft has increased by 31.5% over the past two years. In addition, losses from identity theft in New Jersey are 4.6 times greater than losses from burglary, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft combined. New Jersey ranks 15th out of the 50 states. An estimated 300,000 New Jersey residents were identity theft victims in 2004, at a cost to victims and businesses of nearly $2 billion and more than 14 million hours spent on victim resolution.