facts about identity theft 2015
Identity theft is a serious crime that has been plaguing the world for years. It involves the use of someone else’s personal information, such as their name, social security number, or credit card details, without their consent. In today’s digital age, where almost everything is done online, identity theft has become even more prevalent. According to a report by the Federal Trade Commission, there were 490,220 identity theft complaints in 2015 alone, making it one of the most common types of fraud.
So, what exactly is identity theft? It is the unauthorized use of someone else’s personal information to obtain financial gain or other benefits. This can be done in various ways, such as through phishing scams, data breaches, or even physical theft of personal documents. The consequences of identity theft can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, for the victims. In this article, we will delve deeper into the facts and statistics surrounding identity theft in 2015.
1. Identity theft was the second most reported complaint to the FTC in 2015, accounting for 16% of all complaints. This shows the magnitude of the problem and how prevalent it has become in our society.
2. In 2015, the number of identity theft complaints increased by 47% compared to the previous year. This sharp increase can be attributed to the rise in data breaches and the increasing use of technology in our daily lives.
3. The top three types of identity theft reported in 2015 were tax-related identity theft, credit card fraud, and phone or utility fraud. Tax-related identity theft involves using someone else’s social security number to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. Credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of someone’s credit or debit card to make purchases. Phone or utility fraud is when a thief uses someone else’s personal information to open a phone or utility account in their name.
4. Identity theft can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or income level. However, according to the FTC, adults aged 50 and above were more likely to report identity theft in 2015. This is because older individuals tend to have more assets and may not be as tech-savvy as younger generations, making them easy targets for identity thieves.
5. The total amount of fraud reported by identity theft victims in 2015 was a staggering $765 million. This includes both the money stolen and the cost of resolving the fraud. This shows that identity theft not only affects the victims’ financial well-being but also causes a significant financial burden.
6. In 2015, the most common method used by identity thieves was through government documents or benefits fraud. This includes using someone else’s personal information to obtain government benefits, such as unemployment or social security benefits. This type of fraud accounted for 49% of all identity theft complaints.
7. Another alarming fact about identity theft in 2015 is that 35% of victims did not know how their personal information was obtained by the thief. This highlights the need for individuals to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information.
8. Data breaches have become a major concern in recent years, with several high-profile incidents making headlines. In 2015, there were 780 data breaches reported, exposing over 177 million records. These breaches can provide identity thieves with a wealth of personal information, making it easier for them to commit fraud.
9. Social Security numbers (SSNs) are the most sought-after piece of information by identity thieves. In 2015, there were 490,220 complaints of identity theft, and 33% of these involved the misuse of SSNs. This is because SSNs are used by financial institutions, credit card companies, and other organizations to verify a person’s identity, making it a valuable piece of information for fraudsters.
10. The most common way for identity thieves to obtain personal information is through phishing scams. This involves sending fake emails, texts, or making phone calls, pretending to be a legitimate organization, and asking for personal information. In 2015, the FTC received over 76,000 complaints about phishing scams, with a total reported loss of $8 million.
11. One of the most concerning facts about identity theft in 2015 is that only 15% of victims reported the crime to law enforcement. This could be due to several reasons, such as not knowing how to report the crime or fearing the consequences of reporting, such as damaging their credit score.
12. Children are also at risk of identity theft, with thieves using their clean credit history to open new accounts. In 2015, there were over 22,000 complaints of identity theft involving children, and the total reported loss was $15 million.
13. Identity theft not only affects individuals but also businesses. In 2015, there were over 33,000 complaints of business or personal information being used to commit fraud. This type of identity theft can cause significant financial losses for businesses, as well as damage to their reputation.
14. The states with the highest per capita rate of identity theft complaints in 2015 were Florida, Georgia, and Michigan. This could be due to several factors, such as a high number of retirees in Florida and Georgia, making them easy targets for identity thieves. In Michigan, the high number of data breaches could be a contributing factor.
15. The average time it takes for a victim to discover identity theft is around six months. This is because identity thieves are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, making it difficult for victims to detect the fraud until it’s too late.
16. In 2015, the most common way for victims to discover identity theft was through credit monitoring or identity theft protection services. These services can alert individuals of any suspicious activity on their accounts, allowing them to take immediate action.
17. The average amount of time it takes for a victim to resolve identity theft is around 30 hours. This includes time spent on phone calls, filling out forms, and disputing fraudulent charges. This can be a time-consuming and stressful process for victims, as they try to regain control of their stolen identity.
18. Identity theft can have long-lasting effects on its victims, even after the fraud has been resolved. In 2015, 16% of identity theft victims reported experiencing difficulties in obtaining credit or loans, and 13% reported being denied government benefits or services.
19. The most common way for victims to discover identity theft was through credit card fraud detection. This highlights the importance of regularly monitoring credit card statements and reporting any unauthorized charges immediately.
20. Finally, one of the most concerning facts about identity theft in 2015 is that only 20% of victims had credit monitoring or identity theft protection services in place. This shows that many individuals are not taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from identity theft.
In conclusion, identity theft continues to be a major threat in today’s digital world, and the numbers from 2015 are a testament to that. With the increasing use of technology and the rise in data breaches, it is more important than ever for individuals to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information. This includes regularly monitoring credit reports, using strong and unique passwords, and being cautious of suspicious emails, texts, or calls. By being proactive, we can all play a role in preventing identity theft and protecting ourselves from this devastating crime.
how to do an anonymous call
An anonymous call is a type of phone call where the caller intentionally withholds their identity and contact information from the recipient of the call. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as privacy concerns, safety concerns, or simply wanting to keep their identity hidden. The process of making an anonymous call is relatively simple, but there are also some important factors to consider before making such a call. In this article, we will explore the various ways to make an anonymous call, the reasons why someone might choose to do so, and the potential implications of making anonymous calls.
Reasons for Making an Anonymous Call
There are many reasons why someone might choose to make an anonymous call. One of the most common reasons is privacy. In today’s digital age, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain privacy, and many people value their privacy and want to protect it. Making an anonymous call allows them to communicate without revealing their identity or personal information.
Another reason for making an anonymous call is safety concerns. In certain situations, such as reporting a crime or providing sensitive information, the caller may not want to reveal their identity for fear of retaliation or harm. An anonymous call can provide a sense of security for the caller while still allowing them to communicate important information.
In some cases, people may also make anonymous calls as a prank or to play a practical joke on someone. While this may seem harmless, it is important to consider the potential consequences of such actions and the impact it may have on the recipient of the call.
Methods of Making an Anonymous Call
There are several methods that can be used to make an anonymous call. The most common method is by using a disposable or burner phone. This is a prepaid phone that can be purchased without the need to provide any personal information. These phones are often used by individuals who want to make anonymous calls or text messages.
Another option is to use a virtual phone number service. This allows the caller to create a temporary phone number that can be used to make calls without revealing their real phone number. These services are often used by businesses to protect their employees’ personal phone numbers when making business-related calls.
There are also various mobile apps that can be used to make anonymous calls. These apps allow the user to make calls or send messages without revealing their identity. However, it is important to note that some of these apps may require the user to create an account and provide personal information, which may defeat the purpose of making an anonymous call.
Tips for Making an Anonymous Call
While making an anonymous call may seem like a simple task, there are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure the call is truly anonymous and to avoid any potential issues.
Firstly, it is important to make sure that the phone used to make the call is not linked to the caller’s personal information. This means using a disposable phone or a virtual phone number service as mentioned earlier.
It is also important to change the voice and tone while making the call to avoid being recognized by the recipient. This can be done by altering the pitch of the voice or using a voice changer app.
Another important tip is to avoid using any phrases or language that may reveal the caller’s identity. This includes using slang words or phrases that are commonly used by the caller or using specific information that only the caller would know.
Potential Implications of Making Anonymous Calls
While making an anonymous call may seem like a harmless act, there are some potential implications that should be considered. Firstly, depending on the purpose of the call, the information provided may be taken less seriously if the caller’s identity is unknown. This could potentially hinder the effectiveness of the call.
In some cases, making an anonymous call may also be considered illegal. For example, if the call is used to harass or threaten someone, it could be considered a form of cyberbullying or harassment. Additionally, making a false report or providing false information anonymously could result in legal consequences.
It is also important to note that while a caller may remain anonymous, their phone number can still be traced by authorities if necessary. This means that if the call is made with malicious intent, the caller may still be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, making an anonymous call is a personal choice that should be made carefully and with consideration of the potential implications. While it can be used for legitimate reasons, it is important to use caution and to follow the tips mentioned above to ensure the call remains truly anonymous. It is also important to be aware of any potential legal consequences that may arise from making anonymous calls for malicious purposes. Ultimately, the decision to make an anonymous call lies with the caller, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before doing so.