Identity Theft Statistics - U.S.

Identity theft statistics are staggering, and with the proliferation of the Internet I expect these numbers to continue to rise. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, in 2006 there were over 670,000 consumer fraud and identity theft complaints in the United States totaling over $1.1 billion.

Credit card fraud (25%) was the most common form of reported identity theft
followed by phone or utilities fraud (16%), bank fraud (16%), and employment fraud
(14%). Other significant categories of identity theft reported by victims were
government documents/benefits fraud (10%) and loan fraud (5%). Electronic fund transfer-related identity theft continues to be the most frequently reported type of identity theft bank fraud during calendar year 2006.

30% of identity theft victims notified a police department and a report was taken, 8% of identity theft victims notified a police department and a report was NOT taken, and 62% of victims did not notify a police department.

2006 Identity Theft Victims by Age

2006 Identity Theft Victims by State