FTC: Identity theft strikes 1 in 8 adults

[newyawker99]

In the most comprehensive look to date at a fast-growing crime, the Federal Trade Commission said Wednesday nearly one in eight U.S. adults fell victim to identity theft in the last five years.

With 9.9 million victims last year alone, the FTC warned the thefts cost businesses $48 billion and $5 billion in out-of-pocket expenses to individuals in 2002.

"These numbers are the real thing," said Howard Beales, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "For several years we have been seeing anecdotal evidence that identity theft is a significant problem that is on the rise. Now we know. It is affecting millions of consumers and costing billions of dollars."

ID theft

[BlueJazz]

1. The really sad thing is a case such as this:

A friend of a friend got laid off 4 months ago and shortly after found out that
his identity has been stolen. The Bastards have charged up the credit cards they "ordered" and of course, have not paid a dime on them.
Consequently this dude's credit is in the toilet and he can't even borrow the money to get him through these bad times.
On top of that, he suspects (strongly) that he has been turn down for several jobs because of this mess.

Pretty damn disgusting.

He also has tried to explain to future employers what's going on and the response has been something like "Oh, Yeah?" ....like they don't believe him.

[GOPisEvil]

2. This is one reason I bought a shredder!

:scared: I've screwed my credit up enough on my own - I don't need anyone else's help. ;-)

[Coffee Coyote]

3. I know what you mean!

:D

"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." ....Albert Camus

[radwriter0555]

4. I've been hit twice. Last time, I was buying an apartment bldg and

this new mortgage broker guy used my credit info to buy a car, then tried to buy another property with it, as well.

LONG story, but, HE IS IN JAIL!!!! My credit got cleared up, and I keep fraud alerts on my account now.