Should You Be Concerned About Identity Theft?
Identity theft is on the rise. As of 2010, it is the #1 crime according to the U.S. Department of Justice statistics. As an everyday person, should you be worried?
Most of us think about identity theft as someone stealing your information and charging up credit in your name. Would you believe this is only one of five possible types of identity theft? How about some of these statistics:
•11.1 million adults were victims of identity theft in 2009
•The total fraud amount was $54 billion
•The average victim spent 21 hours and $373 out of pocket resolving the crime
•4.8% of the population was a victim of identity fraud in 2009
•13% of identity fraud crimes were committed by someone the victim knew
When I get together with my clients, I discuss the realities of what the true cost of identity theft actually amounts to. More importantly, I can show them ways not only to prevent identity theft, but also how they can restore their identity after theft has occurred.
If you have been exposed to identity theft or have concerns, I would love to counsel you on what your options are and how you can protect yourself. Feel free to complete the information on the Contact Us page or drop me a note with your name and contact info to mikev@vonfabian.com.