The FBI reported that there were 27,922 known victims of identity theft in 2022. Fast forward to the fourth quarter of 2023, when the Federal Trade Commission received 231,724 reports of identity theft in that quarter alone. And it is projected that AI-driven identity theft scams will raise these shocking statistics even higher.
Florida ranks third for the state with the highest number of identify thefts per 100,000 people. And although people aged 30-39 were more likely to report identity theft, elderly victims lose more money on average.
So, what is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when scammers use your name, address, credit card, social security number, bank account information, social media accounts and insurance accounts without your permission. They can then charge things to your credit cards, open a new credit card in your name, open utility accounts in your name, steal your income tax refund, or use your health insurance to get care. According to the FBI, scammers racked up almost $200 million in losses for their victims in 2022.
ID Theft Protection Tips
- Do not answer phone calls from numbers or people you do not know
- Do not respond to social media messages, texts or emails from people you do not know
- Use a mailbox that locks to prevent mail theft and place a hold on your mail when traveling
- Monitor your credit card and bank account for unauthorized transactions
- Inspect ATMs and Point of Sale terminal for skimmers by looking for anything loose, cracked, damaged or scratched
- Although public wi-fi networks are now considered secure, you should not share personal or financial information on websites that are not encrypted.
- Store your Social Security card in a safe place and do not carry it in your wallet
If you feel that you have been a victim of identity theft, please visit www.identitytheft.gov
Have questions? Please call or visit your Marine Bank banking center during business hours and we’ll be happy to assist you.