Identity Theft - Scarry Statistics

Identity theft is closer to you than you may realize. Every year millions of people are affected by identity theft in one way or another. Some cases are on a large scale and others are very small, but still threatening. This article will look at some identity theft statistics that may make you take notice.Did you know that approximately one out of every twenty three people in the US will become an identity theft statistic this year? Reports show that nearly five percent of the people living in the US will fall victim to some type of identity theft crime, and the numbers are growing each year.The federal trade commission reports that identity theft complaints are on the rise each year. The FTC says that they received nearly forty percent more identity theft complaints than the previous year.The most common identity theft statistics show that nearly ten million Americans reported that their identity had been used to open bank accounts or apply for credit cards without their knowledge.The identity thief opens up a checking account with a few pieces of the victim’s identity and then proceeds to write bogus checks. This is becoming all too common some identity theft statistics show.Identity theft cost consumers nearly fifty million dollars last year alone. That is an amazing identity theft statistic all by itself. Some credit card companies are finally taking the necessary steps to help their customers to avoid identity theft, but you still must monitor your credit and other personal information.You can avoid becoming one of the next identity theft statistics by applying some simple methods to protect your identity. You should make photo copies of everything in your wallet so that if you do become an identity theft statistics you will at least be able to stop the thieves from doing much damage.There are programs that help people avoid becoming one of the next identity theft statistics. These services place a lock on all your personal information so that if someone does get some identifying information from you they will not be able to do anything with it.For more information on Identity Theft try visiting http://identitytheftnow.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and resources to include Identity Theft Statistics and more.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Turner