Does Holiday Cheer Render American Families Too Casual With Personal Information?

‘Tis the season for carols, eggnog and gift giving, but as the Better Business Bureau recently pointed out, the cheerful holiday season is also a ripe time for identity thieves. While families are increasingly aware of the ID theft threat, particularly while shopping online this holiday season, a newly conducted poll highlights that a worrying few realize that *offline* activities pose the biggest threat.

The Zogby poll commissioned by EZShield, an identity protection and restoration service, found that Americans are more concerned about their identity being stolen when they are online (34%) versus shopping at ‘brick & mortar’ stores (14%) or having it taken from stolen mail or their trash (6%).  This are particularly disconcerting statistics given that offline activities actually account for 90% of ID theft cases.  With all of the gift giving this holiday season, consider that for every seemingly ‘low-value’ parcel left on a doorstep, there is enough personal and transactional data both in and on the package to make individuals vulnerable to identity theft.

Equally illuminating is that 34% of those surveyed expressed concern about their personal information being mishandled by government agencies, medical institutions and businesses.  Such results suggest a potentially pressing concern for, for example, the government as it considers how it will ensure a thorough 2010 Census.

In addition, the poll also unearthed findings on perceived productivity drains, again demonstrating a mismatch between what should be of larger concern to businesses and individuals alike.

Please click here to read more on the BBB tips.

Disclaimer:

I was NOT paid for this posting.

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