We would be remiss if we didn’t take a least one chance to warn you about identity theft. Here are some recent
statistics courtesty of The Identity Theft Resource Center:
According to 2 studies done in July 2003 (Gartner Research and Harris Interactive), approximately 7 million people became victims of identity theft in the prior 12 months. That equals 19,178 per day, 799 per hour, 13.3 per minute.
The incidence of victimization increased 11-20% between 2001-2002 and 80% between 2002 -2003 (Harris Interactive). This same study found that 91% of respondents do not see an “end to the tunnel” and expect a heavy increase in victimization. 49% also stated that they do not feel they know how to adequately protect themselves from this crime.
Victims now spend an average of 600 hours recovering from this crime, often over a period of years. Three years ago the average was 175 hours of time*, representing an increase of about 2470%.
The average arrest rate (according to law enforcement) is under 5% of all reported cases by victims.
Approximately 85% of victims found out about the crime due to an adverse situation – denied credit or employment, notification by police or collection agencies, receipt of credit cards or bills never ordered, etc. Only 15% found out through a positive action taken by a business group that verified a submitted application or a reported change of address.
What’s even more shocking is how easy it is to be targeted by by an identity thief. Guardian Unlimited published an article on May 3rd about what your boarding pass could mean to an identity fraudster.
We logged on to the BA website, bought a ticket in Broer’s name and then, using the frequent flyer number on his boarding pass stub, without typing in a password, were given full access to all his personal details – including his passport number, the date it expired, his nationality (he is Dutch, living in the UK) and his date of birth. The system even allowed us to change the information.
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