These latest stats on identity theft prove this is a crime on the rise. While credit cards, e-commerce, and data-storing devices have changed the pace of modern life, they have also opened you up to one of the most frightening experiences out there: identity theft.
Identity theft is unfortunately common, and the threat grows as it becomes easier to store financial and personal data online. How can you avoid becoming one of these scary stats on identity theft? Protect yourself with knowledge and the right resources.
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The Stats On Identity Theft
Identity theft can disrupt your entire life – but you can prevent it bu learning about the latest stats on identity theft. Based on research from a February 2017 Javelin study, and from consumer reporting taken by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these are ten of the scariest stats on identity theft:
- 15.4 million people in the US were victims of identity fraud in 2016
- Losses due to identity fraud reached $16 billion
- Identity theft has taken over $107 billion from consumers in the last six years
- Card-not-present (e.g., e-commerce and mobile) fraud saw a 40% increase over 2015
- 78% of online shoppers detected fraud within a week
- 13% of all complaints made to the FTC were due to identity theft
- 34% of identity theft fraud in 2016 was related to employment or taxes
- 32.7% of identity theft fraud in 2016 was related to credit cards
- Michigan had the highest reported identity fraud in 2016, with a total of 17,430 complaints made
- Hawaii had the lowest reported identity fraud, with a total of 789 complaints made
Protect yourself from identity theft by being proactive with your security.
How to Protect Yourself
Early detection and proactive security are the only ways you’ll be able to ward off identity theft. These techniques can get you started with protecting your valuable data from prying eyes:
- Be social-savvy: Social media accounts can be hijacked easily, so be aware of what you post and what you have in storage spaces or online chats. Don’t add or share information with people you don’t know in person.
- Get Insurance Against Identity Theft: Did you know some credit monitoring apps offer up to $1 Million identity fraud insurance. The small monthly fee to sign up for this app will seem insignificant considering you can improve your financial health while you feel safe against this crime on the rise. Especially after reviewing the latest stats on identity theft.
The Credit Pros will help improve your credit score by removing inaccurate credit information from your consumer credit reports.
Check your free credit report and FICO credit score, understand, manage, and improve your credit and protect your personal information.
You’re more than just your credit score. With Grain, it’s possible to access a revolving line of credit based solely on your cash flow.
- Enable two-factor authentication: A growing number of sites now allow you to enable two-factor authentication for sign-in. Typically, you’ll receive a code via text or email that will allow you to complete the process while preventing thieves from accessing that account.
- Utilize alerts: Most financial sites will offer you an alert system that lets you know everything from suspicious activity to a low balance. These notifications will help you detect any fraud immediately, so you can proactively protect the rest of your accounts.
- Act fast: If you notice any suspicious activity, the faster you act, the better. Notify your financial institution or lender if you detect fraudulent activity on any account as they’ll be able to help protect you from further damage.
The number one way to protect yourself from theft is by monitoring your credit.
What is the Number One Way to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft?
All of the above tips are easy ways to boost your protection against identity theft; but when it comes down to it, the number one way to protect yourself is by regularly monitoring your credit. Your credit reports will reflect any new accounts taken out in your name, as well as any spending that is out of line with your activity. Should you find any unknown action on your report, you can take steps like freezing your credit, which means that no new accounts can be opened in your name without a second form of verification from you.
To find the best credit monitoring service, look for one that allows you to see any deficiencies in your credit, and one that will help you work towards raising your score, whether or not you’ve been a victim of fraud.
Get started today and protect yourself for the future.
