The survey found that 85% of the respondents believe that they are taking some measures to protect their identities by shredding documents, securing sensitive information at home and using caution when responding to emails requesting information. The survey also disclosed that 75% of those respondents are most concerned with credit card fraud. Yet in 2006, over 13 million consumer identities were misused.

Moreover, a 2006 report published by the FTC, shows that out of the $5 billion in identity fraud, only 25% was based on credit card fraud and of that, only 12% was "new accounts fraud."

Commenting on the results, Steven Domenikos, CEO of IdentityTruth, stated, "These results confirm that there is a false sense of security among consumers as it relates to identity safety. It is encouraging that consumers are taking preventative measures to protect themselves, but these statistics prove that additional measures need to be taken where consumers face risk."

The survey indicates that while many people are concerned about security, there is a certain level of inertia that has not been overcome. Proven methodologies are available to increase security procedures and they are not being implemented by a majority of consumers.

IdentityTruths survey results reflect this disparity, including the following statistics:89% of consumers say that they worry about identity theft; and80% expressed interested in a service that would notify them of security-related problems.

Yet in everyday life, the behavior of most consumers contradicts their stated preferences:85% do not have a home alarm or car alarm system, taking a passive approach to personal security; andOnly 12% of consumers subscribe to services that protect identity information.

For more information, please send your e-mails to swm@infothe.com.

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