Statistics will show that as the world becomes more technology savvy, the easier it becomes for identity theft to occur. In California alone, technology allows for thieves to make an exact replica of your stolen credit card in minutes. The number one cause for the increase in identity theft numbers is credit card counterfeiting, it is best that credit card holders beware and learn the basics of credit fraud protection.

Surfers Beware!

In 2005, The Federal Trade Commission received over 685,000 complaints of identity theft and fraud that translated to a whopping $680 million in losses. Among the complaints 37% accounted for identity theft while the remaining 63% for fraud and in cases of fraud, the internet was utilized 46% of the time, translating to $335 million stolen.  With this statistics in mind, it is wise to invest in credit fraud protection.

The internet despite its many uses is also a haven for identity theft; it is often used as the first line of contact of thieves to potential victims. The following are areas where you can be vulnerable when it comes to online activities.

- Auction websites = 12%
- Offers of foreign money = 8%
- Shop from home or catalog offers = 8%
- Lotteries, sweepstakes, or prizes = 7%
- Computer or Internet service complaints = 5%
- Work from home offers or business opportunities = 2%
- Credit protection or advance fee loan offers = 2%
- Phone Service = 2%

If you do use the internet and shop online, it is wise to consider credit fraud protection for you online activities, this may simply mean ensuring that the website you visit and/or enter your credit information on is secured and protected.  You can also place fraud alert on your credit report, to ensure that your information is not being used without your knowledge.

Victims of identity theft reach about 10 million annually. Aside from the financial damage, around 300 million hours are used to solve problems caused by identity theft.  Statistics show that if you fall prey to identity thieves, you are more likely to spend around $500-$800 to clear your name and restore your credit score and an average of 600 hours to correct mistakes done to your credit rating and around a year or so before the problem is completely fixed.

As we are constantly exposed to identity thieves and thus always at risk and given this statistics, it is wise to have a credit fraud protection system to reduce the risk of getting your identity stolen and lose money, time and effort in to fixing a problem that could have been avoided.