Alarming Identity Theft Statistics Everyone Should Know

ID theft is a major problem all over the world, but especially in the USA. There are some really alarming identity theft statistics that everyone should be aware of. Knowing about these numbers might just keep your identity safe and help you avoid becoming another victim.

Did you know that there are many different kinds of ID theft? Credit card fraud, utilities fraud, employment fraud and bank fraud are just some of them.

Credit card fraud has typically been the most common form. As of 2009, it was at 17%. However, you shouldn't lose sight of some other important identity theft statistics too.

For instance, at 16%, government documents fraud was next in line. It was followed closely by utility/phone fraud and employment fraud, at 15% and 13%, respectively. Those are just a few of the disturbing facts.

Bank fraud made up 10% of the pie, while loan fraud accounted for 4%. Not only that, but one of the scariest identity theft statistics, as of 2009, was that 21% of all complaints to the FTC at the time had to do with some sort of ID related crime.

Identity theft statistics also indicate that you may be at higher risk, depending on your geographical location.

For example, 2009 numbers showed that the most instances of identity crime occurred for Florida residents. Arizona and Texas were close behind Florida. Since people who reside in those three US states seem to be most at risk, identity theft statistics indicate that you should proceed with extreme caution if you live in one of them. After all, there's no reason to tempt fate. The more careful you are, the less likely you are to become a victim.

However, you should not let identity theft statistics from individual states convince you that you live in a good or bad area.

Anyone in any state, region or country could be an ID crime victim. This is why it is so important to protect yourself. After all, ID related crime numbers are growing by leaps and bounds each year.

Are these disturbing statistics scary enough for you to lose sleep over? Well, sleep is important, but you should be very concerned. Knowing the facts can help you to take action to protect yourself from people who are out to steal your very identity.

Do not allow yourself to be one of the people who suddenly finds a bank account empty or a credit history wrecked for no apparent reason. Instead, use these identity theft statistics to encourage yourself to be even more careful about who you give your personal information to and how you do it.