There is a digital counterpart to almost everything we do, which means most of our personal information is online. And while it does make our lives easier, it does open the door to information in the wrong hands. Identity fraud Occurs when someone uses your personally identifiable information (PII) For their own financial or personal gain. Like sensitive information Credit card Numbers and Social security number It can be incredibly valuable if it gets into the wrong hands.
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce that risk Identity fraud. This article breaks down some of the most interesting Fraud statistics And about trends Identity fraud United States and offers way Protect yourself Personal information From Cyber criminals.
Identity fraud By number
Numbers Identity theft case Report Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Has increased in the last five years. According to FTCOf Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) ReportThe number of reported cases more than doubled from 2019 to 2020.
One possible cause of this upward trend is coronavirus Extreme. Congress has passed legislation that includes More than $ 5 trillion In different Government benefits. This money was helpful for the outsiders AmericansBut it was extremely interesting Scammer Those who use the opportunity to create fake identities and steal unemployment checks. In fact, most Common types of identity theft This was last year Official documents And Advantage fraud.
What else to say about the increase in numbers Identity fraud? Let’s take a closer look:
Although these figures only scratch the surface. Keep reading to know more about The latest identity theft Data and what you can do to protect your personal information.
How common Identity fraud In the United States?
Identity fraud This is a huge problem in the United States, and it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Fraud report Show that number Identity theft Growth and growth continued in the United States. The graph below shows the number Identity theft report From the first quarter of 2017 to the first quarter of 2021.
Reported examples Identity fraud It increased from just over 100,000 in the first quarter of 2017 to over 500,000 in the first quarter of 2021. Cyber criminals Capital has tried their best Extreme To take people Government benefits.
Identity fraud, By the state
Not every state is affected ID theft Equally. Where you live can have a huge impact on your experience potential Identity fraud. The graph below shows the amount Identity theft case Report FTC For every 100,000 inhabitants for each state in the United States
Upon closer inspection, the most with five states Identity theft report Included GeorgiaLouisiana, Illinois, Kansas, and Rhode Island, which tops the list. The Report number Rhode Island more than doubled in 2021, from 1,191 to 2,857 in 2020.
At the other end of the spectrum, South Dakota remains the state with the lowest incidence Identity fraudOnly 76 out of every 100,000 inhabitants are experiencing this.
Here is a list of 20 metro cities where your identity is most likely to be stolen
Who Victims of identity theft?
Anyone can Victims of identity theft, In large part because a lot of our information is online. Anyway, sure Age group Different types of experiences are more likely Scandalous.
For example, baby boomers are more likely to benefit from government programs than Generation Z. This makes them more sensitive Scandalous Likes Advantage fraud (Where a criminal pretends to be someone else to steal Government benefits)
On the other hand, millennials have grown up with the Internet, and activities such as online shopping are becoming more frequent. This makes them more sensitive Identity fraud Medium Credit card fraud.
The most common here is a breakdown Identity fraud Types from different generations:
Types of identity theft
There are different Types of identity theft, Starting from theft Financial information Compromise Healthcare Some forms of information are quite straightforward. In this case, Credit card fraud It happens when someone steals from you Credit card Use it to buy numbers and things. Others, choice Medical identity theft, It can be a little difficult to recognize.
Here is a list of the top five General Types of identity theft:
- Financial Identity fraud: This form Identity fraud Sounds like it and a criminal is involved in your theft Financial information. For example, yours Credit card The number can be stolen and used to make a purchase.
- Medical identity theft: With Medical identity theftSomeone steals your personal information to get it Healthcare Services. One example is someone else using your identity to get prescription drugs
- Criminal Identity fraud: This form Identity fraud Occurs when someone else uses your name at the time of arrest. You will know that this happened to you if you received a court summons, for example, with no one involved.
- Synthetic Identity fraud: A growing form Identity fraudSynthetic Identity fraud When someone uses someone’s real information to create a fake identity. For example, a Cheater Using someone else’s real date of birth can create a fake identity and Social security number To apply for a loan.
- Children Identity fraud: With baby Identity fraudA criminal uses a minor’s personal information to commit a crime Bank fraud Or another form Identity fraud.
Although these are the most five Common types of identity theft, They can serve as umbrella terms for more specific forms of fraud. The figure below shows the reported number Fraud case This is different Types of identity theft In 2021.
While the Internet has made our daily lives more convenient, it has made it easier Scammer To steal our personal information. Identity fraud In the last five years, it has become increasingly common in the United States.
The more you use the internet, the more opportunities there are Scammer You have to steal data and sell it in places like this Dark web. Social media A host of platforms, e-commerce businesses, banking companies, and other online businesses may store your information for a variety of reasons.
If you use the internet Shopping onlineA large number of databases, for example, have a good chance of storing your personal and financial data. When businesses use your information to give you a better online experience, Scammer It can be accessed to steal your identity.
The graph below shows various increases Types of identity theft From 2017 to 2021.
What do I do if I think? Victims of identity theft?
Criminals use many tricks to get your information. Scammers Or Hacker Can send Phishing Pretend to be email IRSSnoop around Social media Get information through Password Clues, page one Data breachOr just buy information Dark web.
Here are some things you can do if you believe you can Victims of identity theft:
- Lookout: To avoid Identity fraudYou want to be careful Signs that someone has stolen your identity. Check your bank statement and Credit report Regular to confirm any additional charges on your account. Pay attention to red flags such as bills that have reached your home with your information but someone else’s name, mysterious calls or emails from debt collectors New account Remember to get started for online services.
- Contact the locals Law enforcement: Some banks may show you a police report before refunding you for any fraudulent charges or withdrawals.
- Contact the company using your ID: Let businesses know where your information is being used For example, you may want to contact your bank and cancel your account Credit card If you know that a criminal is using them.
- Contact the three major credit bureaus: Call or message Transunion, Equifax and Experian now. They may be able to make a reduction in impact Thief detection You have a credit score.
- With a report file FTC: Reporting Identity fraud From FTC Can help spread awareness Scandalous And Identity fraud Strategies so that others do not fall prey to them.
- Inspection Identity Theft Resource Center: The ITRC There are tools and information to help you protect yourself from this Identity fraud And recover from it.
We’re here to help protect your personal information
The Internet makes our lives easier in many ways. Although Identity fraud Increasingly, you shouldn’t go online Scandalous This prevents you from enjoying the digital benefits. Identity thief An inevitable part of using the internet, however, is that you can limit the risk of falling victim to it Cyber crime If you know what to look out for and you’re smart online.
Recognition Its symptoms Identity fraud Can help you stay ahead CheaterAnd investment McAfee Identity Protection Service Can provide another level of protection. When you sign up for our identity protection services, you get সুবিধা 1 million Identity theft protection Insurance and email address and bank account monitoring. With our help, you can continue to use the Internet with confidence.
