How Many People Are Victims Of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a very serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. It’s estimated that in 2021, 19 million people will be victims of identity theft. But how many people are victims of identity theft? It’s difficult to accurately measure the prevalence of identity theft, as many victims remain unaware of the crime or don’t report it. However, experts agree that identity theft has become a major issue in recent years and that the number of victims worldwide is likely much higher than reported. According to research, banks, businesses, and organizations suffer billions of dollars of losses every year due to identity theft. To better protect yourself and your loved ones, it is important to understand the prevalence and types of identity theft and what you can do to minimize the risk of becoming a victim.

1. Is Identity Theft Harming More People Than Ever?

Identity theft is on the rise. With more sophisticated technology and increased access to personal information, identity thieves are more effective and successful than ever. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over $16 billion was stolen from individuals in the United States in 2017 alone.

By definition, identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information and uses it for their own gain. This includes using your credit card for purchases, accessing bank accounts and hijacking your email account. It can even include criminals getting access to health records and government information.

• Credit/Debit Card Fraud: Credit card fraud is the most common type of identity theft, accounting for over 32% of reported cases.
• Account Takeover: Account takeover is when an identity thief gains access to one of your accounts, such as a bank or email account.
• Tax Fraud: Tax fraud is when an identity thief uses your social security number to file a false tax return in your name.

No matter the form, identity theft can have devastating effects on individuals, families, businesses and organizations. The threat of identity theft is no longer something you can ignore. Staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect yourself are your best defenses.

2. How Many People Fall Victim to Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a major issue in our society, and countless individuals fall victim to it each year. With the right information, it’s easy for a thief to empty out your bank account and damage your credit. So how many people have fallen victim to identity theft?

The unfortunate truth is that identity theft is more prevalent than ever. According to the latest figures from the Federal Trade Commission, over 13 million people in the US were victims of identity theft in 2019 alone:

• 3.2 million victims reported misappropriated funds
• 3.1 million experienced fraudulent accounts opened in their name
• 1.1 million victims experienced stolen identities being used to open accounts and obtain government benefits
• 6.3 million reported miscellaneous cases of identity theft

These numbers are shocking, and the effects of identity theft can be far-reaching – often resulting in long-term financial ruin and emotional distress. It’s important to stay vigilant and learn how to protect yourself and your personal information from becoming a statistic.

3. What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft?

With all of the recent threats to identity security, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some things you can do:

• Secure your passwords: always secure your passwords with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. And try to make them unique to one account and not use the same password for more than one account.
• Monitor your credit: Keep a close eye on your credit report to make sure no suspicious activity is going on. You can also choose to put a credit freeze or fraud alert on your account to prevent any unapproved access to your files.
• Be smart with personal info: Never share your Social Security numbers, online banking information, driver’s license information, or any other personally identifiable information online.

You can also protect yourself by regularly monitoring your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If you find any unauthorized charges, contact your bank immediately. Additionally, it’s also important to regularly change passwords, use a secure internet connection, and be careful when opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources.

4. Identity Theft: Tips to Keep Your Information Safe

It’s Your Responsibility: Identity theft is becoming increasingly common and it’s essential for all of us to become aware of how to protect our information. Here are some tips to help keep your personal information safe and secure:

• Use strong passwords with a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions.
• Harvest old documents such as bills and bank statements.
• Secure your computer with updated antivirus software.

Be Mindful: It’s also important to be mindful of how and where you share your personal information. Doing so properly can help keep your identity safe:

• Emails can be easy targets for hackers, so use caution and don’t open suspicious messages.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be breeding grounds for theft.
• Be wary of clicking on links from sources you don’t know or trust.
• ALWAYS shred confidential documents before disposing of them.

Q&A

Q: What is identity theft?
A: Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information, like your bank account details or Social Security number, and uses it to commit fraud or other crimes.

Q: How many people are victims of identity theft?
A: The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 11.7 million Americans are victims of identity theft every year.

Q: What should I do if I suspect somebody has stolen my identity?
A: If you think you are a victim of identity theft, the first step is to contact the police and your financial institutions to report the crime. You should also contact the three major credit bureaus and put a freeze on your credit. Nobody should have to be a victim of identity theft. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to be proactive and protect yourself from identity theft. Make sure you’re not one of the millions who suffer the consequences of this crime by creating a free LogMeOnce account for identity theft protection and dark web monitoring. LogMeOnce will give you peace of mind and with just a few clicks, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. Visit LogMeOnce.com now and maintain the security of your personal data. Take action now and stay one step ahead of those that would profit from identity theft – while it’s never been easier to protect yourself from being one of the many victims of identity theft.

Nicole

Nicole’s, journey in the tech industry is marked by a passion for learning and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether it’s delving into the latest software developments or exploring innovative computing solutions, Nicole’s expertise is evident in her insightful and informative writing style. Her ability to connect with readers through her words makes her a valuable asset in any technical communication endeavor.