FTC: Identity Theft Still Most Reported Fraud Complaint

Each year, the FTC releases the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book; a report that details the fraud complaints files with the FTC during the year. The 2008 report is now out, and there are some not-so-surprising numbers included in the report.

• Identity theft was represented in 29 percent of the fraud cases reported during 2008. The actual number of complaints (to the FTC) was 313,982.
• The top methods of identity theft reported (in cases where the methods were known) were: credit card fraud, government documents and benefits fraud, employment fraud, phone/utilities fraud, and bank fraud.
• 65 percent of those who reported identity theft to the FTC did notreport the crime to their local law enforcement agencies.
• Of the identity theft methods reported, credit card fraud complains and automobile-related complaints have nearly doubled.

The only one of these statistics that's really surprising is that 65 percent of people don't file police reports when they feel their identity has been stolen. That's a frightening statistic, because in severe cases of identity theft, a police report is a requirement. Please. If you've been victimized by identity theft, file a police report immediately. That should be one of your first steps to recovering your identity.