Facts About Identity Theft
It may surprise you to know that every 79 seconds there is another victim of identity theft and, according to CBS news, over 28 million people have had their identities stolen in the last few years. Those are very sobering statistics in a world where your identity is your most valuable asset.
One of the most common misconceptions people have about identity theft is that it only affects those with credit cards and a good credit score. Unfortunately, this type of complacency can often lead people to be careless with their personal information and they may find themselves the next victim of identity theft.
Anyone who has a birth-date, social security number, bank accounts, medical records, a state ID or driver's license or a car, just to name a few, is at risk for having their identity stolen - in short, everyone.
By learning some of the most prevalent identity theft facts and reading some cases and stories of those who have had their identity stolen, you can better prepare to keep from becoming a victim yourself. For instance, it is important for you to know what types of identity theft can occur. According to victim statistics and identity theft facts, only 28% of victims have lost their identity in financial or credit card scams - that leaves 72% of all victims falling prey to other forms of identity theft. Additionally, the information that is available on types of identity theft shows that, aside from credit card fraud, bank fraud and telephone and utilities fraud are the next most leading causes of identity theft that occur. Other types of identity theft include employee fraud, loan fraud, insurance fraud and government documents, phishing scams and benefit fraud, to name just a few. As you can see, there are many ways that someone can use your identity for ill-gotten gain all in your name, leaving you to bear the burden of their crimes. It is vitally important for you to be diligent in protecting your personal information and to understand how the various agencies who ask you for this data are using it. Astonishingly, in the last few years, over 46 million people have had their private information lost or stolen due to corporate carelessness and even more astonishing, almost 50% of those who have had their identity stolen, do not have any idea of the crimes against them until incredible damage has been done. These identity theft facts should give you pause and jump-start a plan of action by you to protect yourself and your family from any type of identity theft possible.
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