Basic Fraud Facts:

• ID fraud in the US totaled $37 billion in 2010 
  

• There were 8.1 million US victims of ID fraud in 2010
  

• The mean fraud amount per victim is $4,607 

• Since 2005, over 350 million personal data elements were exposed in the US alone
  

Source: Javelin Strategy & Research Report 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report

Some tips to avoid identity fraud:

• Shred any receipts, statements, or other sensitive documents that contain personal information.
  

• Only give out your social security number if absolutely necessary. Ask if you can use alternate identifiers.

• Protect yourself online by using an internet security program and firewall.

• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.

• Use complex passwords and change them periodically on your financial and online accounts.

Source: Federal Trade Commission 

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