Identity Theft: Prevalence and Cost Appear to Be Growing

Reviews & compiles the latest statistics on the incidence & societal cost of identity theft (IT). Generally, IT or identity fraud involves stealingÓ another person's personal identifying info. -- such as Social Security number, date of birth, & mother's maiden name -- & then using the info. to fraudulently establish credit, run up debt, or take over existing financial accounts. This report provides info. on: the extent or prevalence of IT; the cost of IT to the financial services industry, including direct fraud losses, staffing of fraud departments, & effect on consumer confidence in online commerce; the cost of IT to victims, including victim productivity losses, out-of-pocket expenses, & cost of being denied credit; & the cost of IT to the Fed. criminal justice system.Richard M. Stana is the author of 'Identity Theft: Prevalence and Cost Appear to Be Growing' with ISBN 9780756726010 and ISBN 0756726018.