 Spring Cleaning Your Office? Know What to Do with E-Waste
Keep Your Identity Safe When Filing Taxes This Year
Why use Penn+Box when Storing Data in the Cloud
Mobile Device Security - 3 Recommendations for Cloud Users (Hint: That's You!)
Be Aware of QR Code Risks
It’s Data Privacy Month: Update Your Facebook Privacy Settings and More
How Are You Celebrating Data Privacy Month?
Stay Secure while Working on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Protecting Your Finances During This Year's Holiday Shopping Season
Cloud and You
Security and Privacy Online Training & Tools
October: Free Secure Disposal of Paper and Electronics at Employee Resource Fair; NCSAM
Student Privacy - What Do I Need To Know? A FERPA Reminder
Top 10 Tips for Securing Your Smartphone or Tablet
Working Off Campus? Some Tips to Consider
Whats popular? |
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - Almanac Vol. 56, No. 31ID Theft: A Growth Industry
According to a recently-released survey report, 11.1 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2009 - a 12 percent increase from 2008. Over the same period, dollars lost to identity theft fraud grew 12.5 percent, to $54 billion. Thirty-nine percent of identity theft victims reported that stolen information was used to open new credit card accounts, compared to 33 percent in 2008.
Interestingly, the report finds that “millennials” (consumers aged 18-24) take nearly twice as long as other age groups to detect fraud. They are less likely to monitor accounts - but more likely to respond to fraud, once detected, by switching banks or forms of payment.
The report concludes that increasing identity theft fraud is driven by the current economy and a global, sophisticated criminal enterprise that focuses on this area. It advises consumers to be vigilant about safeguarding their personal information online and offline. Recommendations include the following:
- Change passwords regularly
- Do not share passwords or account information
- Monitor account statements and credit reports
- Use a shredder to dispose of account documents
- Keep anti-virus software up to date
- Use discretion when sharing information online, including use of mobile devices.
A brief overview of the survey, including key findings and safety tips, can be viewed at www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/javelin-study-finds-identity-fraud-reached-new-high-in-2009-but-consumers-are-fighting-back-83987287.html.
|
New! You can now receive new One-Step-Ahead Security and Privacy Tips automatically!
