Irvine, Calif., Nov. 30, 2009 — Consumers may have incorrect perceptions regarding identity theft while shopping for the holidays, according to a study commissioned by ProtectMyID.com™, the multilayered identity theft detection, protection and fraud resolution product1. According to the survey, nearly 75 percent of all consumers feel that shopping online instead of at a retail location leaves them more vulnerable to identity theft. However, these sentiments are contrary to data showing that only one in 10 cases of identity theft occur as a result of online activity<sup>2</sup>.
The data also reveals that shoppers’ fears regarding identity theft are heightened during the holiday season, as more than half of respondents felt that the time of year contributed to a greater all-around risk. This heightened fear combined with the busiest shopping period of the year underscores the need for education and awareness surrounding identity theft.
“No one wants to have to deal with the damages caused by identity theft, especially around the holidays,” said Jennifer Leuer, general manager of ProtectMyID.com. “Fortunately, there are simple things people can do now to protect themselves while shopping, and there are products such as ProtectMyID.com that provide a layered defense against this crime.”
Even leading industry organizations, such as the Identity Theft Resource Center®, are urging consumers to be cautious and alert this holiday season.
“As we have seen year after year, the holiday time frame always yields a higher rate of identity theft and related frauds,” said Linda Foley, founder of the Identity Theft Resource Center. “At times like these, it is important to protect yourself from the many individuals looking to take advantage of vulnerable targets both out in public and online.”
To aid consumers in this regard, ProtectMyID.com and the Identity Theft Resource Center have compiled a list of top tips to help protect against identity theft this holiday season:
Several other interesting statistics from ProtectMyID.com’s consumer survey include:
About ProtectMyID.com™
ProtectMyID.com is a leading, full-service provider of identity theft detection, protection and fraud resolution. ProtectMyID.com offers comprehensive identity theft protection products supported by experienced identity theft resolution professionals who deliver personal attention that customers can rely on. ProtectMyID.com is a Website owned by ConsumerInfo.com Inc., an Experian company. For more information about how ProtectMyID.com helps consumers protect themselves against identity theft, please visit http://www.protectmyid.com/.
About Experian
Experian® is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients in more than 65 countries. The company helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score and protect against identity theft.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2009, was $3.9 billion. Experian employs approximately 15,000 people in 40 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; Costa Mesa, California; and São Paulo, Brazil.
For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.
Experian and the marks used herein are service marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
1 Survey conducted by Impulse Research in November 2009
2 Data provided by Javelin Strategy and Research in February 2009
Contact:
Matthew Lifson
Edelman PR
1 323 202 1047 Telephone
Matthew.Lifson@edelman.com Email