ATLANTA – Emory Federal Credit Union is joining other credit unions taking a proactive approach against identity theft and has teamed up with Identity Theft 911. The Identity Theft 911 resolution service includes a personal advocate who works with the victim every step of the way to resolve the crisis and restore the victim's identity. In addition, the new program includes access to a consumer education component complete with ongoing threat alerts, a monthly newsletter, and a dedicated Web site with articles, interviews, and white papers covering all aspects of this crime. Emory FCU is providing the service free of charge to its checking account members. "Identity theft has become an epidemic, impacting the finances and reputations of hundreds of thousands of Americans," said Emory FCU President Chris Culberson. "We are here every step of the way to help our members fight identity theft, and help members who become victims of identity theft get back on track." According to the Federal Trade Commission identity theft strikes about 10 million Americans each year. A recent study released by Identity Theft 911 finds that identity theft incidents in the state of Georgia alone have increased by nearly 58% over the past two years. In addition, in 2004, individual victims living in the state of Georgia lost nearly $328 million due to identity theft, and spent an average of nearly 43 hours per incident trying to resolve the damage.