NCJ Number
205473
Date Published
September 2003
Length
58 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of identity theft on victims and the responsiveness toward victims of this crime by various agencies.
Abstract
Previous studies have quantified the experience of identity theft, which numbers in the millions annually, but have left other issues unexplored, such as the emotional impact sustained by victims. In July 2003, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) sent an email to approximately 2,000 people who had contacted the ITRC since late 2001; 173 individuals responded to the study request. The study probed the time, dollar cost, and emotional impact sustained by victims of identity theft; responsiveness toward victims of various agencies with which victims must interact; differences between moment of discovery victims and long-term victims; changes in the long-term victim response of various agencies; and the current state of identity theft. The three main forms of identity theft are explained: financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, and identity cloning. A victim’s experience of the different types of identity theft is discussed as the victim proceeds through the process of cleaning up the damage caused by the crime. Next, some of the current study results are compared to a previous study on identity theft, including the average number of months between occurrence and discovery and percentage of victims who consider the case resolved. The remainder of the report discusses the specific findings of the current study. Significant findings include the fact that almost 85 percent of victims discover their identity has been stolen in a negative manner; only 15 percent of victims discover the crime through pro-active business practices. On average, victims spend 600 hours to clear up their case, a significantly longer amount of time than previous studies have reported. In 73 percent of cases, the identity theft occurred by way of opening a credit card, while in 27 percent of cases the crime involved a credit card takeover. The emotional impact of identity theft is related to that suffered by victims of violent crimes. Despite the emotional toll on victims, the responsiveness toward victims by the various agencies they must deal with was found to be lacking in sensitivity and has not improved since studies conducted in 2000. Recommendations are offered for reform in law enforcement, financial institutions, collection agencies, and the business community. Tables, addendums, endnotes