Tips. EN-05-10064. Identity Theft Statistics: Information You Must Know. That can't happen to me. This is how many people feel about identity theft...until it happens to them. Identity theft is on the rise and can happen to anyone, including you. By knowing some important facts, you can take measures to keep your identity safe. Identity Theft Facts Every year, approximately 10 million Americans become identity theft victims. Of these 10 million victims, an average of $1,800 to $14,000 is lost. The most common form of identity theft is checking account fraud, using the stolen identity to open a new credit account or to purchase cell phone service. The majority of people questioned thought of identity theft as only occurring over the internet; unfortunately, this isn't true.
Finally, 16% of the time, domestic abuse or harassment leads to the theft. So, where do you turn if your identity is stolen? Where Identity Thieves Strike Your Mail -- Don't leave mail in your mailbox overnight - have your mail stopped when you leave town - get a mailbox that locks. 2009 Identity Theft Statistics | SPENDonLIFE. Internet - How To Information.