Identity Theft in America

Identity theft in America is a problem. As if we didn't have enough to worry about with rising gas prices, a housing mess, and impending recession! Identity theft claims over 9 million victims each year and experts say it is the fastest growing crime. If you don't know someone who is a victim of identity theft, consider yourself lucky because it strikes 1 in 4 households.

Why is identity theft the fastest growing crime?

Two of the most popular forms of identity theft occur when someone steals the identity of their own child or their spouse. I know, sounds crazy, but desparate people do desparate things and these forms of identity theft often occur under financial hardship. In fact, I receive more emails from people claiming their spouse stole their identity than any other type of identity theft. It is easy for someone to fill out a credit application for either their child or spouse. This is truly the crime for the average person.

Another reason why identity theft in America is so popular is because of the easy availability of credit.

The credit card companies, in an effort to increase their business, have made access to credit extremely easy. Is it no wonder credit card identity theft is the most common form of identity theft? Also, I constantly hear the media talking about the "credit crisis" we have in America. Why do you think this has happened? Because lenders gave too much money away! Lenders have contributed to the current financial difficulty in America and the growing problem of identity theft.

Identity theft cannot be stopped, but if we limit our credit usage and change some of our everyday habits, it can be slowed.

To prevent identity theft learn all you can, the more you know the better you'll be protected.

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