80% of Americans worry about identity theft – study
80% of Americans worry about identity theft – study
A national poll reveals that eight out of ten Americans worry about identity theft and more than 34 percent are acquainted with an identity theft victim. In 2007, nearly 800,000 consumer complaints were filed and 32 percent of them involved identity theft. The reported fraud losses reached USD 1.2 billion.
The study also revealed that 36 percent out of 77 percent of respondents who have access to internet services prefer to avoid internet shopping and 48 percent avoid online banking.82 percent of those who reported that identity theft is a concern are more inclined to shred documents, while 52 percent are not concerned at all.
People who feel uncomfortable with identity theft are much more inclined to monitor their credit reports and 53 percent of those concerned do it versus 30 percent of those unconcerned.83 percent of women and 69 percent of men have the tendency to destroy sensitive information.
Only two out of ten Americans, representing 19 percent of the population have implemented the new credit freeze services for their credit protection. 45 percent of people fear online fraud most and for 25 percent leaks from businesses are a major concern.
The study was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media for Bankrate