Currently this epidemic impacts approximately 1 in 14 households according to the latest Javelin research. According to Javelin Strategy's 2009 Report, there were 9.9 million victims of Identity Theft in 2008 - an increase of approximately 1.8 million from 2007. There is a new Identity Theft victim every 3 seconds in the United States. According to the FTC and Consumer Sentinel, it takes a victim an average of 12 months to notice the crime, costs a victim an average of $3,000 to clear their name, and takes a victim an average of 500 hours over several months to resolve the Identity Theft.

There is no prejudice against age, financial status, race, credit worthiness, gender or geography. While there are certain populations that are at higher risk than others, we are all at risk. By taking the proper steps, however, we can lessen the likelihood that we will become a victim.

There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Steps such as monitoring your accounts, protecting your personal information, and following safe practices during travel.