Identity Theft and Arizona, Information and Mis-Information

The statistics and facts prove that identity theft and arizona go together. Arizona has the highest rate of identity theft in America. According to net-security.org, 25 percent of Arizona residents have had their identity stolen within the past 6 years!

Arizona is clearly the identity theft capital of the United States and maybe the world. Many people and experts speculate as to why arizona and identity theft are so closely linked. The general consensus is that arizona's demograhics and geography are the reasons why.

I've read many articles about identity theft and arizona and have come across some good articles and some real losers. Here's a brief statement by an article from MSN Money, written by Jennifer Mulrean: "FTC spokesperson Claudia Bourne Farrell said no one knows why particular states routinely rank high or low. But to Foley, it all makes perfect sense.

"If you're going to order a bunch of computers to use to steal people's identities, are you going to live in a little town in Montana where people know you and will ask questions? Or are you going to live in a large population zone where you can basically blend into the crowd?" (Montana sits at No. 44.)"

That is the most ridiculous statment I've ever read. Does this woman from the FTC really think her statment has any believability?

The reality of the situation, and the reason why arizona and identity theft go together is mainly due to geography.

Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and Califorina all have the countries highest rate of illegal immigrants. This is due to their geographic location around Mexico. Why do immigrants come to the United States? To work or course! And make a better life for themselves. So it will come as no surprise to anyone that Arizona's identity theft statistics show that 25% of identity theft is employment-related. Meaning illegal immigrants come across the border, steal identities, and use the victim's identity as a means of gaining employement.

Identity theft statistics for the United States show that employement related identity theft is anywhere from 10-15% of identity theft cases.

I've also read people speculate about the possibility of thieves targeting Arizona residents more than the other border states because of the demographics of Arizona residents. I'm not so sure about this logic either.

The bottom line is that no-one really knows why identity theft and arizona are so closely linked. Many, including myself have reason to believe that illegal immigrants, knowingly, or unknowingly target that state for employment related identity theft more than any other state in the country.

If you are a resident of Arizona, or simply concerned you will become a victim of identity theft, a quality identity theft prevention and restoration service is exactly what you need. Read our page on identity theft prevention for more information.

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