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Identity Theft StatisticsThese identity theft statistics are pretty surprising. I was just as shocked as you when I read these. Unfortunately, keep in mind, that unless we protect ourselves better, these numbers will get WORSE. -There are 10 million victims of identity theft each year -38%-48% of victims discover their identity theft within 3 months of it beginning. 10%-18% discover the theft 4 or more years after it originally occurred. Over 50% discover it within 14 months! A big problem with identity theft, besides the financial and emotional problems, is that it takes the victim hours, days, weeks, and maybe years to fully restore their identity. Check out these identity theft statistics... -The average victim spends over 650 hours trying to restore their identity -More serious cases could cost the victim OVER 5,000 HOURS OF THEIR TIME If you think the money the criminal has stolen is all you will lose, think again. The process of restoring your identity will cost you lost hours from work. -Victims lose an average of $1,800-$14,000 in wages while restoring their identity -The average cost of restoring your debt will range from $800-$1,300 To further complicate the mess, you will have difficulty gettting loans in the future, your credit score will go down, you may have difficulty getting a job, and you will probably have higher insurance rates. -47% of victims report difficulty getting a loan or credit due to their stolen identity -19% have lower credit scores and 16% have higher insurance rates -11% say they have difficulty getting a job Check out more shocking stats... -66% of victims say the thief used their identity to get a new credit card -28% say the criminal used their personal information to get cell phone service -12% of victims end up having warrants issued in their name for financial crimes committed by the thief -43% of victims believe they know the person who stole their identity Pretty shocking eh? These numbers are disturbing. Again, get as much information as you can to protect yourself, dont become a statistic.
Statistics reproduced from www.spamlaws.com
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