Perspective: Debunking Myths About Identity Fraud

Reprinted with permission from CNet.com

It seems that we constantly are hearing horror stories about the perils of rampant identity fraud. However, a recent survey seeks to set the record straight by saying that in the United States, the problem actually is decreasing.

Javelin Strategy & Research has just released its Identity Fraud Survey Report. While identifying significant risk differentiators between age and income demographics, the report highlights an important reduction in fraudulent new account openings using private information. Interestingly, the report also says that more fraud happens via physical channels, such as in-person transactions, and by the direct theft of personal data by individuals, rather than taking place online.