NEW YORK -- The findings of a recent Bankrate Inc. national poll showed that identity theft is high on the list concerns among Americans.
The poll found that eight out of 10 Americans are concerned about their identity being stolen and that over one-third of Americans know someone who has been a victim of identity theft.
According to the Federal Trade Commission over 800,000 consumer complaints were filed in 2007, and 32% involved identity theft. The total dollar amount in reported fraud losses was over $1.2 billion.
"Identity theft is a growing concern among Americans, but there are steps consumers can take to protect themselves," said Julie Bandy, editor in chief at Bankrate.com. "Bankrate's guide prepares consumers with the advice they need to keep their assets safe and protect their identity."
The poll also found that of the 77% of respondents that have Internet service, 36% avoid Internet shopping. Respondents who reported themselves concerned about identity theft were more likely to shred documents (82%) versus those who are not concerned (52%). Women were more likely to destroy sensitive information than men (83% to 69%). Only two out of 10 Americans (19%) have used the new credit freeze services to protect their credit. Forty-five percent of people fear online fraud the most, while 25% rank leaks from businesses as their primary concern.
The poll was a national random-digit dialed phone study of 1,606 adults 18 or older and was conducted for Bankrate by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media.
--lsiegriest@cutimes.com
