Identity theft again topped the list of consumer complaints made to the Federal Trade Commission in 2009, but the number of Americans ticked off about their credit showed the sharpest increase.

Whether you are a consumer taking proactive steps to protect yourself from identity theft, or one of the more than 10 million consumers whose life was touched by identity theft last year, understanding your options can be challenging.

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The state attorney general's office, Consumer Credit Counseling Service and Better Business Bureau are working together next week to raise awareness about the dangers of identity theft.

The Better Business Bureau and Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Buffalo are hoping to stem the rise in identity crime with a free identity theft prevention event.