Beware! You May Know an Identity Thief

MSN Money published an interesting article entitled 8 Signs You May Know An Identity Thief.  The article discusses how many people fear identity theft from a stranger when, in fact, studies show that most identity theft victims know the thief in some way.  The article provides an excellent graphic showing this.  In summary, of those identity theft victims who have learned the thief’s identity:

• 32% say it was a family member or relative
• 24% say it was a complete stranger outside the workplace
• 18% say it was a neighbor or in-home employee
• 13% say it was someone at a company with access to their personal information
• 8% say it was someone else, and
• 4% say it was someone at the workplace   (Source, Javelin Strategy & Resource, 2004/MSN Money)

The article goes on to list the eight signs in people you may know:

1. The addict.
2. The rationalization king.
3. The high-living deadbeat.
4. The “gotta have it” guy.
5. The nosy friend.
6. The grudge guy.
7. The repeat offender.
8. The stranger with access.

I encourage you to check out MSN Money for more details.