Guest Post By: Dianna Chambers
Ten percent of all victims of identity theft take one month or longer just to sort out the damage caused by the affair. According to data recently released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, these victims are likely to suffer from stress, anxiety and trouble at work or school. Here are some trends in identity security that you should be aware of, and how to avoid these scams.
Identity Theft in 2012
In 2012, roughly 16.6 million people (or seven percent of the population) were victims of identity theft. Together, these victims suffered losses of over $24.7 billion, significantly more than the amount lost from all property crimes combined. These victims reported fraudulent credit card use, pilfered bank accounts, and new accounts opened in their names. Those who had new accounts opened in their names reportedly suffered more than those who simply had their current accounts manipulated. Some victims even reported that they faced legal trouble as well as financial trouble.
These numbers made 2012 the second worst year on record for identity theft since 2003, and according to NBC News, the situation is just going to get worse as criminals continue to create more advanced identity theft tactics.
Healthcare and Potential Security Breaches
When the federal government launched Healthcare.gov in late 2013, the internet began to buzz immediately with speculations that the site could be easily hacked. However, Slate countered those accusations to report that it was really the state portals that should be of concern to security-conscientious consumers. Just as Slate predicted, the biggest breach reported thus far was through a state portal in Minnesota. The breach occurred when an MNSure employee emailed a list of social security numbers in an unsecured email to an insurance agent. Although the information allegedly was not compromised, according to the Star Tribune, the information could have been used maliciously if put into the wrong hands. As more people shop on the exchanges in 2014, it could have an effect on identity theft in spite of the government’s assurances otherwise.
Concerned Phishing
Another trend that could impact the number of people affected by identity theft is the growing trend of concerned phishing. Phishing is when a scammer attempts to gather personal information, such as username, password, financial information, etc. Concerned phishing comes in the form of a deceptive email or social media alert. Rather than inventing an unlikely scenario about a relative stranded in another country, phishers are attempting to emulate organizations or companies that you know and trust, reports Market Watch. For instance, phishers sent emails to people who were concerned about the recent Target breach, and they also sent emails to people who were worried about the typhoons in the Philippines.
These schemes typically start with an email that lures the consumer to a fake site. There, the thief convinces the victim to enter details like their username, social security number, account password, or PIN. Once the thief has the information they need, they can wreck havoc in a variety of ways.
This trend can be scary to consumers, but there are ways to learn how to prevent phishing. Security-conscious consumers should look into LifeLock, which offers education and tips on how to shop safely online, how to identify a phishing email, and other practices that can keep consumers safe from identity theft.
About the author: Dianna Chambers blogs about technology past, present and future. She currently uses Google Glass and writes about her experience.