Identity Theft a Growing Danger for Consumers

   

Posted: Jan 7, 2009

Identity theft is a greater danger than ever for consumers, with one recent report noting that data breaches exposing personal records were up 50 percent in 2008.

The Washington Post cited upcoming statistics from the Identity Theft Resource Center, which found that 656 data breaches occurred in 2008, at entities ranging from private businesses to government and educational institutions.

The 2008 figures would have affected the personal information of nearly 36 million Americans. In 2007, there were 446 such breaches.

"This may be reflective of the economy, or the fact that there are more organized crime rings going after company information using insiders," ITRC co-founder Linda Foley said. Foley also warned that insiders are becoming increasingly active when it comes to identity theft, even as companies focus more and more on fighting hackers and others.

Separately, Boston Herald columnist Barry Armstrong advises consumers that they can protect themselves against credit fraud with simple steps that include shredding all financial documents and statements, staying on top of credit card expiration dates so new cards aren't missed in the mail, and not keeping passwords in one's wallet.