Identity Theft Statistics

Understanding Identity Theft Statistics

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Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States today. Understanding identity theft statistics is the first step towards the prevention of this crime. The majority of research proves that around ten million people become victims of identity theft each year. This crime not only affects individuals but companies as well. Estimates put the financial damage caused in the billions of dollars. Our computer age makes it easier for criminals to commit fraud and steal money than ever before. So, how can the innocent best protect themselves from these predators?

Prevention is certainly one way. In order to avoid being victimized, it's important to understand how identities get stolen in the first place. The number one way that criminals get information is by stealing something that stores it. This could be a purse, wallet, or even laptop computer. If you find yourself a victim of theft, take immediate action. File a report at the police department, then call your credit card companies and your bank to report the crime. Sometimes, identity thieves get the information they need from discarded documents in trash cans and recycling bins. This is why it's of utmost importance to shred all your bills, receipts and account statements prior to recycling or discarding them.

If you think that you're one of the millions whose identity has been stolen, there are some steps you need to take. After you call the police, your bank, and your credit card companies, you'll need to call the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. These credit bureaus can place a fraud alert on your report and send you free copies of your credit reports. If you see accounts that you did not open, notify both the credit bureau and the account provider immediately. Close accounts that you think an identity thief may have accessed. Finally, notify the FTC or Federal Trade Commission of the incident via toll-free number or online form. This government agency works to prevent identity theft and protect consumers from fraud. You may also want to contact the Social Security Administration. Depending on the severity of your case, you may want to apply for a replacement Social Security number.

Because identity theft is starting to receive more attention, identity theft statistics are dropping a bit over time. Prevention combined with protection programs and identity theft insurance policies are helping reduce the number of victims of this damaging crime.

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Today's Tip On Identity Theft

Another possible identity theft scam involving credit cards is carried out when the person calling says he or she needs to verify your card information at an online merchant or pay service. You can be a smart consumer and practice theft prevention by not giving out your credit card number to anyone soliciting information. Identity theft and fraud are all around in our modern world, but consumers can learn how to avoid a large percentage of the crime simply by being educated.

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