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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Identity Theft

Keeping you safe from identity theft

Identity Theft

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Overview >> What are the impacts and trends?

The impact of identity theft has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2005, the FTC received over 255,000 identity theft complaints. Chart A (below) shows the breakout of the types of fraud reported in these complaints.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), for every instance of identity theft, the consumer incurs:

  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Lost vacation or sick time to repair damages done
  • Loss of productivity due to the distraction of the crime
  • Emotional distress affecting job and interactions with family
  • Potential higher mortgage or interest rates
  • Immediate impact on purchasing power
  • Extended diminished purchasing power
types of fraud chart

Awareness of the prevalence of identity theft is essential for high school students and college students as they are those most targeted by thieves!

victims age chart

Source: FTC Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data for January - December 2005

What are the National trends?

Breakdown by State

  • Identity theft occurs in all 50 states but is most prevalent in the southwest.
  • Arizona ranks the highest with a reported 156.9 complaints per 100,000 population followed by Nevada with 130.2. Nebraska ranks 37th reporting 52.3 complaints per 100,000. North Dakota rounds out the 50 states with 24.8. Click here and scroll to page 18 to see the complete chart.

Breakdown by Metropolitan Area

  • Identity theft is more prevalent in cities with high population densities and warm climates.
  • " The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona area ranks first with 178.3 complaints per 100,000 populations. Las Vegas-Paradise, Nevada is next with 158.5. Kansas City, Missouri ranks 33rd reporting 82.3. Click here and scroll to page 17 to see the complete chart

Identity Theft Trends (2006 Identity Fraud Report)

  1. In 2005, adult victims of identity theft decreased to 1.2 million in the United States.
  2. During the last two years, the average fraud amount increased to $6,383 from $5,249.
  3. Total cost of identity theft in the United States for 2005 was $56.6 billion.
  4. Resolving identity theft required up to 40 hours in 2005.
  5. Most identity theft was incurred by lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks or credit cards.
  6. Half of identity theft victims were perpetrated by their friends, neighbors, in-home employees, family members or relatives.
  7. Currently, more than two thirds of people are shredding documents and eliminating trash as a source of information.
  8. Only 2.3% of victims were from 65+ age group and the 35-44 age group was victim of the highest amount, $9,435.

Source: Van Dyke, J.Javelin Strategy and Research (2006) www.bbbonline.org/IDTheft/protect.asp