While consumers delight in the season of giving, they’re worried it might also be the season of taking. 57% of U.S. adults are concerned about being a victim of identity theft during the holiday season, and 66% believe they are more at risk when making purchases online, according to new research by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
32% of consumers were victims or knew someone who had been a victim of identity theft in the past five years, according to the survey of 500 adults, age 18 and older. Of those consumers, 46% said the identity theft exceeded $1,000.
“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, affecting consumers of all ages,” says association president Sandy Praeger. “It’s critical for consumers to know how to protect themselves and reduce the risk of becoming a victim.”
To help prevent identity theft online, the association recommends consumers always be certain they are using a secured network, frequently update firewall protections on their computers and limit the amount of personal information they post on web sites.
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