Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Survey Indicates ID Theft May Be Diminishing

Posted by Zonk on from the we-can-only-hope dept.

netbuzz passed us a link discussing a survey conducted by major credit firms. Keeping in mind the source (CheckFree, Visa, and WellsFargo), the results indicate identity theft may be on the downswing as consumers wise up to scammers. The number of respondents that reported a fraudulent account created with a stolen identity dropped by a full half percentage point between 2005 and 2006. Overall fraud apparently dropped by some 12% over last year, representing $6.4 billion in fraud reduction. Again, consider the source: identity fraud is still apparently costing some $49.3 billion annually.

5 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. Phishing by snail mail by andy1307 · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Last week I receveied a letter in the e-mail telling me I had won a lottery and asking me for my bank information. Unlike the Nigerian scams, this was sent from Spain by snail mail. I've seen Nigerian scam e-mails before but this is the first phishing snail-mail I've received

    Has anyone else experienced this?

    1. Re:Phishing by snail mail by pluther · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Oh, yeah, it used to be much more common.
      They just switched to e-mail because it's easier, cheaper, and harder to catch them at it. (There used to be actual investigations when someone engaged in inter-state fraud through the Post Office).

      There are still companies that will send you misleading but not actually fraudulent snail mail along the lines of "You've been selected as the winner of this Brand New digital camera! Absolutely free, just sent $49.95 shipping and handling..."

      --
      If the masses can keep you down, you're not the Ubermensch.
  2. Why have a survey at all? by Robbyboy · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Looking at this article, I was wondering about the need for such a survey. Wouldn't the agencies involved be taking an active part in working with identity theft? Last time I checked, when you find out your identity has been stolen, you notify the Credit Card Companies and credit agencies. What I am wondering is how many people have been victims and do not yet know about it. With initiatives such as FACT ACT and consumer awareness, Id be interested to know how often people are checking to see if they have been victims of identity theft. I think next time we will ask the fox how safe the henhouse is... That is a survey I would be interested in!
    Cheers
    Robert

  3. source?? by hackstraw · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Keeping in mind the source (CheckFree, Visa, and WellsFargo)

    I recently got a "check" from my credit card for $20. By depositing that check they would automatically enroll me in an identity theft insurance protection plan.

    For my convenience, they would bill my credit card (plus interest I assume).

    Basically, this is legal fraud.

    First, my CC is unsecured credit. If I don't pay, its no big deal aside from them screwing my credit or whatever they do.

    My point, is that don't these people want the illusion that ID theft is on the rise so that they can sell this insurance to people?

    Stuff like this makes me question humanity.

  4. It still needs fixin by tribentwrks · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm dealing with identity theft right now, but somebody elses. A Guy with a SS# 1 digit off from mine got his ID stolen, but it's showing up on my credit report. Should be easy to clean up, right? Nope. Have do the same exact steps -- wasted hours on phone calls, faxes, and police reports to prove that bad credit under a different name, address, AND social security number is really not my bad credit.

    If you're wise, you will take advantage of the free credit reports, and get yours checked at least once a year.