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The realization that identity theft was a real problem was brought to my attention when the son of a close friend went to purchase a car. When he applied for the car loan he was told that he had a credit problem and his loan request was denied. This was a complete surprise to him. As far as he knew his credit record was outstanding. He discovered he was a victim of identity theft!

Research and Markets: 9.3 Million American Adults Have Been Victims of Identity Fraud Within Last Twelve Months

Research and Markets (researchandmarkets.com/reports/c16009) has announced the addition of 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report to their offering.

(PRWEB) April 21, 2005 -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c16009) has announced the addition of 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report to their offering.

This report is an update of the Federal Trade Commission’s 2003 Identity Theft Survey Report and our 2003 Identity Fraud Report. Based on telephone interviews with 4,000 consumers, it offers a holistic view of identity fraud—including methods for prevention, detection, and resolution—by examining all causes of this pervasive crime. Despite the growing fear of Internet related fraud, this research shows that identity theft is more frequently committed offline (e.g. stolen wallets and checkbooks) than online (e.g. electronic commerce). It also concludes that family members, relatives, neighbors, and friends make up half of all known identity thieves. Furthermore, the length of time to detect identity theft is correlated with the amount of money embezzled. These and other key findings are complimented by recommendations for both consumers and institutions to reduce identity fraud in the US.

Key findings on:

  • Criminal Means of Access to Personal Information
  • Incidence Rates & Types of Accounts Misused
  • Detection Methods & Time
  • Costs of Identity Fraud
  • Behavior & Attitudes
  • Demographics

Valuable research for:

  • Financial Institutions
  • Payments Firms
  • Merchants
  • Billers
  • Technology Providers
  • Government
  • Law Enforcement

Within the last twelve months, 9.3 million American adults became victims of identity fraud. This longitudinal report provides a detailed, comprehensive analysis of identity fraud in the United States, in order to understand incidence rates, causes, and methods for prevention, detection, and resolution. Four thousand consumers, representative of the US population, including 509 victims of identity fraud, were interviewed via a standardized 38-question telephone survey to develop more accurate and actionable insight on this pervasive and costly crime.

This report answers:

  • How prevalent is identity fraud and how are rates changing?
  • What changes are occurring in the methods of identity fraud?
  • What are the average costs of identity fraud?
  • How effective are various old and new fraud methods?
  • What specific personal finance habits are associated with higher or lower rates of identity fraud?
  • What company practices lead to more effective prevention, detection, and resolution? How can providers partner with account holders in these areas?
  • How does earlier detection influence actual per-incident fraud cost?
  • What products, services, or education messages must providers offer their customers in order to increase public safety and confidence?

Topics covered in the report include:

  • Overall Measures of Impact
  • Types of Accounts Misused
  • Means and Patterns of Access
  • Detection
  • Resolution
  • Detailed Measures of Impact
  • Behavior Activities Related to Identity Fraud Safety
  • Demographics
  • Conclusions and Recommendations

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c16009

Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
e-mail protected from spam bots
Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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My friend, who unfortunately discovered that he was a victim of identity theft, soon found that correcting the record was a major hassle. The lesson he learned was that it is better to prevent identity theft then to try and correct the record later. So with that mind, I present this information to you so that hopefully you will not become another identity theft victim.

We often take our liberties for granted. What you know life to be can suddenly change if you've been a victim of identity theft.

While you've been busy with your day-to-day life someone could have stolen your personal information and racked up debts or committed fraud - all with your name on it. What happens then can be anything from being denied employment, credit or even being arrested for a crime you didn't commit.

Identity theft is that serious.

Victims of identity theft can spend years paying back debts or fighting to restore their credit as well as their reputation. Finding out you are a victim of identity theft can be frightening and a source of anxiety even after you've resolved the issue.

Don't be complacent, learn about identity theft and what you can do to lessen your changes of becoming another identity theft victim.

See several phishing email examples here.

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