Identity Theft Statistics

Many people have either heard of identity theft and the problems that it causes or has already caused to people. However, The primary thing that has been ignored for some time are the statistics.

The facts presented below, show the grim picture that has been overlooked.

• $54 billion. The amount Americans incurred in loss from identity theft in 2008.
• $500 million. The number of consumers from 2005 to 2009 whose personal and financial data has been exposed as a result of corporate data breaches—events the victims cannot control despite taking personal safety measures.
• $11.1 million. The number of adults in the U.S. who were victims of identity fraud last year, a 12% increase from the previous year and a 37% increase from the two years prior.
• $5,000 dollars. The average fraud amount per victim is close to $5,000.
• 165 hours. The average amount of time spent by victims repairing the damage done by creation of new fraudulent accounts.
• 89%. The percentage of personal identity theft that occurs offline.
• 58 hours. The average amount of time spent by victims repairing the damage done to existing accounts.
• 43%. Percentage of identity theft occurring from a stolen wallet, checkbook, credit card, billing statement, or other physical document.
• 1 in 4. Number of American adults who have been notified by a business or organization that their information has been compromised due to a data breach.
• 11%. The percentage of personal identities stolen using the Internet.
• 3 seconds. How often an identity is stolen.