[ news_security_news ]
Retailers Not Trusted To Protect Identity
Jason Lee Miller
Staff Writer
2006-05-25
 Security News RSS Feed
About half those polled said they trusted retailers very little or not at all to protect their personal information from identity thieves. Banks, on the other hand, have almost the complete faith of the public, according to a recent survey looking into how active U.S. adults are at preventing identity theft.
Harris Interactive conducted the poll in conjunction with the Wall Street Journal online of 2,120 adults between May 1st and 3rd.
While only a few said they had been victimized by identity thieves, the number of US adults who have taken specific steps to prevent it is "substantial." About seven in 10 adults watch for suspicious activity on credit or banking accounts (73%), shred mail containing account information (72%), and/or limit access to their Social Security number (69%).
"Clearly identity theft is an important issue to the public today, and huge numbers are taking steps to try and avoid becoming victims," said Anne Aldrich, Senior Vice President of the Financial Services Practice at Harris Interactive.
"Financial institutions can build public trust by educating customers about how to keep their identity secure and by devising better ways for customers to communicate with them about their personal account activity."
Others, in smaller numbers, check credit reports (41%), limit online banking (24%), limit online purchases (30%), and sign up for a credit monitoring service (8%). The poll also found demographic differences in prevention vigilance. Those with a college education, with an annual income of $75K or more, who are over 35 years old, who live in the West, and who are women (not necessarily all of those at once) are more likely to take a proactive role against identity theft, according to the poll.
Over 80 percent of online adults said they receive emails from a financial institution or other company that appeared suspicious. The majority (52%) say they delete the email, but over a third do some more investigating by reporting the email or confirming it with the company that appears to have sent it. Thirty-six percent go to the company's website and check the account themselves.
While banks enjoy the most trust from consumers and retailers the worst, credit card companies, insurance companies and brokers instill moderate faith as nearly two-thirds said they trusted them a fair amount to protect their personal information.
Overall 16 percent of adults say they've had their credit or debit card used by someone they didn't know without their permission. Three percent say their identity was used to open a phone, utility, or other type account. Two percent say personal information was used for non-financial fraud, while one percent found a mortgage or credit line they didn't authorize opened in their name.
About the Author:
Jason is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. He covers business, technology, and security issues.
More news_security_news Articles
Security News RSS Feed
|
|
RSS
Archive
Contact Us
Advertise
