The Economy is Down, And Theft is Up

According to a recent study by Javelin Strategy & Research, the number of identity theft cases increased 22 percent in 2008 to 9.9 million.

Some key findings from the study:

• 2008 was the first year that the number of cases increased since Javelin began tracking ID theft in 2003.
  
  
• Crimes of opportunity, such as stolen wallets, represented 43 percent of cases, compared to 33 percent in 2007, indicating an increase in the desperation of criminals.
  
  
• Women were 26 percent more likely to be victims of identity theft, reporting a higher incidence of lost or stolen information during purchases in stores.
  
  
• The survey showed that only 11 percent of cases involved online access.

Thank you to Safeco Insurance Company