2008 Identity Theft Survey - Javelin Research (Part One)

Last week, I spent some time reading the "2008 Identity Fraud Research Report" by Javelin Strategy And Research. Javelin survey about 5,000 adults and identity-theft victims in the United States. Key findings from the survey:

• There is a difference between "Identity theft" and "Identity Fraud." Identity Theft is when, "your personal information is accessed by someone else without your explicit permission. Identity Fraud occurs when a criminal takes the illegally-obtained information to use it for financial gain."
• The most common ways criminals steal consumers' personal data: lost/stolen wallets (33%); "shoulder surfing" while conducting a transaction (23%); "friendly" theft by family members oro others you know (17%); online (12%); and data breaches (7%).
• Vishing is on the rise. Vishing is a phone-based version of the phishing scam. Vishing is when criminals attempt to trick a consumer into providing personal data over the phone. In some instances, criminals contact consumers fist via e-mail with a bogus phone number for replies

So, what can consumers do to protect themselves? Javelin recommends a 3-step approach (e.g., Prevention, Detection, Resolution) similar to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (e.g., Deter, Detect, Defend). The basic idea is that consumers should use a range of methods to protect their personal data, since criminals use a variety of methods to steal personal data.

Javelin recommends the following to prevent identity theft and identity fraud:

• Protect your personal computer, laptop, PDA, and mobile phone with paswords
• Do not use PIN numbers or passwords that are easily guessed (e.g., birthdays, your maiden name, your kids' names, your pet's name, etc.)
• Shred sensitive documents before placing them in the trash
• Use a locked mailbox or a Post Office Box for your snail mail
• Do not leave documents with your personal data laying around, especially documents with your bank account numbers or social security number
• Monitor your online accounts (e.g., bank, credit card, retirement, and othe financial accounts) for suspicious or unauthorized activity
• Move your paper financial statements to online accounts. Avoid paying bills with checks, and instead pay via online banking
• Review your credit reports at least once a year. You can visit annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free at (877) 322-8228

Tomorrow: more recommendations by Javelin.

Comments

[Karen Reilly]

Hi George,
Have just stumbled on your blog now. It's very interesting and I'm glad someone is trying to deal with the huge rise in identity theft crimes - knowledge is the best prevention.

I am currently studying this area myself for my MSc in Cyberpsychology and my thesis focuses on Online Identity Theft. This is an online survey which I hope you and your colleagues will have some time to fill out - http://www.surveymonkey.coms.aspx?sm=E9441okYNTUXCES_2bZsxleQ_3d_3d

Thanks a lot,
Karen R

[Bill Bridges125]

Despite the bulk of information online we often fail to get the specific information which is needed this post is good & contains relevant information that I was in quest of .I appreciate your efforts in preparing this post.

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It's always a good idea to protect yourself and especially when it concerns your identity!