As identity thieves continue to victimize millions of people each year, the crime is not only robbing consumers of their financial security -- it's also robbing them of their peace of mind. According to a national survey, conducted by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) and Fellowes, Inc., the leading shredder manufacturer, the vast majority of Americans remain aware of identity theft and more are feeling they can become a victim of the crime.
This new research is part of a long-term awareness initiative called Americans' Identity Confidence Index, which gauges how consumer perceptions of identity theft and specific preemptive behaviors change over time. Through the index, Fellowes and the ITRC annually survey respondents on five questions pertaining to vulnerability, and report on overall changes.
This year, the index remained consistent with last year's findings, indicating consumer confidence is still down compared to 2006 when it was first measured.
Consumers remain aware that the threat of identity theft is real, with a vast majority (85 percent) of Americans agreeing that identity theft can happen anywhere and at any time.
In fact, the feeling of personal vulnerability has increased significantly with nearly two thirds (65 percent) of American's believing they themselves can be a victim of identity theft compared to just 57 percent in 2007 and more Americans recognizing identity theft as a real problem rather than a media hype (60 percent in 2008 vs. 55 percent in 2007).
"The threat of identity theft in America is real, and it's encouraging to see so many people taking the crime seriously," said Jamie Fellowes, chairman and CEO of Fellowes, Inc. "This index continues to be an important tool in gauging Americans' perceptions of the crime and enables us to continue to provide consumers with proper education and the best prevention tools."
