Identity Theft: Statistics, Causes, and Prevention

The increase in identity theft crimes has influenced many to seek ways to prevent it from happening to them. While one might think that the internet is responsible mostly for rise of identity theft crimes, much of it simply has to do with being careless. For example, while at the ATM machine, a thief could be standing close nearby and figure out your PIN number. Another common way for identity theft to occur is not shredding documents with important personal details. The following discusses just who is being affected most by this crime, what the main causes are, and how it can be prevented.

From 2006-2008, the U.S Bureau of Justice reported that five percent of Americans were victimized. The problem is only expected to get worse, according to experts.

Theft Prevention

What Causes Identity Theft

Identity Theft: Statistics, Causes, and Prevention

The most commonly used method used by thieves to steal another's identity is what's referred to as dumpster diving to get a bank account statement. Thieves sort through garbage in an effort to acquire any type of document, whether it be credit card information, utility bills, or bank statements, that will provide them with the ammunition needed to accomplish their objective.

Switching to electronic billing has been advised by law enforcement to eliminate this problem. This would eliminate the problem of thieves taking bills from the mailbox as well. For the most part, shredding documents will be enough to prevent ID theft in this case.

Middle to upper class Americans are most likely to identity theft victims. Statistics show that those who have a household income more than ,000 are at greater risk than those who have lower incomes.

Over a two year period, approximately billion has been lost by financial institutions because of identity theft. Only about 25% of victims however lost anything substantial, as the others recovered from their losses well thanks to credit card companies and banks. The statistics may be skewed a bit, because many victims decide not to report the theft because little to no money was lost and they didn't believe that anything could be done about it. However, it's important for ID theft to be reported not only so the thieves can be punished, but to continue to raise awareness.

Identity theft is not going to slow down anytime soon. Criminals are constantly searching for innovative ways to obtain personal information. Any computers or smartphones that you own should have anti-theft software. To further protect your identity, you can sign up for credit monitoring services. Though, it's the simple things like shredding personal documents, not carrying your social security card around, and essentially not being careless with your identity that matters most.

Identity Theft: Statistics, Causes, and Prevention

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2008 Identity Theft Statistics ID Theft Video Clips. Duration : 2.18 Mins.

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