Identity Theft Statistics

According to the 2009 Identity Theft Fraud Consumer Report by Javelin Strategy and Research, more than nine million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2008, costing U.S. consumers and businesses $48 billion.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice reports that identity theft has surpassed drug trafficking as the number one crime in the nation.

The 2009 Identity Theft Fraud Consumer Report found:

• The number of identity fraud incidents increased by 22 over 2007 levels
• The average consumer cost of identity fraud decreased 31 percent, from an average of $718 to $496 per incident, but identity thieves are moving much more quickly.
• Women were 26 more likely to be victims of identity theft than men in 2008.
• "Low-tech" methods of theft are still popular among identity thieves: 43 percent of identity theft incidents were linked to lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks and credit/debit cards