Identity theft is a complex, worldwide problem. It is defined in various ways but in essence it is the misuse of another's individual personal identification to commit fraud. Identity thieves can act alone, but increasingly law enforcement agencies report thieves are forming networks to operate nationwide and even on other continents. In the United States alone, the Federal Trade Commission hears from over 20,000 consumers a week that have had their identity stolen or believe they are about to become victims. In this report, VOA's Paul Sisco takes a look at some of the ways identity thieves ply their trade.