Identity Fraud Trends: Overall Fraud Amounts and Incidence Rates 2004-2008
Identity Fraud Trends: Year-over-Year Identity Fraud and Victimization RatesUnderstanding Fraudsters’ Avenues of Attack
In 2008, online access, such as using virus-afflicted computers at home or at work, accounted for only 11 percent of the total fraud. Combined with the increased speed of misuse, this trend points to more attacks of opportunity, when a fraudster takes advantage of personal information to which they suddenly have access, such as a lost wallet or watching someone enter their ATM PIN.
It isn’t just strangers perpetrating fraud. More than 10 percent of victims knew their fraud perpetrator. When victims knew their perpetrator, those cases went undetected more than two months longer and cost the victims over twice as much.
- Online is Safer Than Offline When Consumers Use Available Security Controls
Consumers should install and regularly update anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keep operating systems and browsers updated. Once online access is secure, consumers should move financial transactions online to eliminate many of the most common avenues fraudsters use to obtain personal information and gain more control compared to traditional channels. Moving online includes turning off paper invoices, statements and checks, including paychecks, and replacing them with electronic versions. Avoid mailing checks to pay bills or deposit funds in your banking account. Instead, pay bills online and use remote deposit check imaging services.
- Learn About Identity Protection Services—
There are additional services for those consumers who want extra protection and peace of mind. These include credit monitoring, fraud alerts, credit freezes and database scanning, some of which can be obtained for a fee and others at no cost. At a minimum, consumers should review their credit report no less than once per year, either for free at AnnualCreditReport.com or through many financial institutions’ websites.
People should check their credit scores regulary. A credit report can be obtained at Equifax or Transunion.
ReplyDeleteSure. We need to download the anti-virus and anti-spyware, and update regularly to protect our computer. i hope identity Fraud and Victimization Rateswill will decrease in the future.
ReplyDeleteBe careful. When you find something suspected, make a confirmation first!
ReplyDelete