Identity Theft is the Fastest Growing Crime in America - Protect Yourself Now!
Every year millions of American have their identity stolen or are at risk for having it stolen at any time. In fact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) indicated that as many as 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year, you need to protect yourself! In addition to the risk of having your identity stolen you face thousands of attempts to invade your privacy every year.
A survey published in 2007 by the FTC indicated that 3.7 percent of Americans were victims of some sort of identity theft in the following categories:
- New account or some other abuse in their name
- Abuse of a non-credit card account
- Abuse of a credit card account
The largest single abuse was of non-credit card accounts - this means identity thieves were most often taking advantage of checking and savings type accounts.
Identity theft victims lose millions of dollars each year. Depending on the type of identity theft crime the not only does the victim lose thousands of dollars but may also spend thousands of dollars and countless hours attempting to regain their identity and trying to pick of the pieces of their shattered life.
In the 2006 survey created by the FTC is was estimated that victims of identity theft suffered more than 15 billion dollars in losses.About one-third (34%) of identity theft victims who were surveyed reported that dealing with the practical consequences of the identity theft, not the process of resolving disputes, was the most difficult part of dealing with the crime. Identity Theft victims must deal not only with losing money, but being unable to use their credit and bank accounts, or even having their utilities shut off. Identity theft can also make it so you are unable to open new accounts and other consequences flowing from the damage to your credit report.
Quick Tips!
- Never give out your personal information over the phone or via email.
- Shred any document containing your personal information, especially credit card solicitations and mail containing your name and address.
- Exclusively use one credit card for on-line purchases - this makes it easier to uncover unauthorized use of your credit
- Regularly check your credit report
- Enroll in an identity theft protection program
In 1998 Congress made identity theft a crime. Identity theft is a crime that does not require thieves to break into your home to seal your information, they can look over your shoulder in public places, go through your trash, steal your mail or through phishing and other internet scams. You are constantly at risk and need to take steps to protect yourself before you become a victim of identity theft. Not only are you at risk of identity theft from thieves targeting you individually but data breaches at companies and government institutions can leave you exposed and vulnerable.
It is up to you to protect your privacy and identity. Identity theft prevention product can help you be vigilant in protecting your identity, money and credit.
