Identity theft figures hit 4k in Colorado

According to latest reports from the Federal Trade Commission of Colorado, over 4000 people became victims of identity theft during 2006, putting Colorado in 6th place for the nation with the highest figures for identity theft. It is also believed that this figure is a conservative number because identity theft and fraud are so underreported.

Communities Against Senior Exploitation, against identity theft, says while the CASE program caters to seniors, younger people are increasingly becoming victims of identity theft. Among the number of identity theft complaints from Colorado forwarded on to the FTC, 30 percent of the victims were in the age range of 18-29. Identity theft victims in the 30-39 age range were second, making up 24 percent of the number of complaints.

They also reported that a common misconception of identity theft and fraud is the notion that much of it is taking place via the Internet, when in fact, the number one way that identity thieves steal information is by purse and wallet theft. Identity thieves nowadays are also using camera phones to capture people's credit card numbers. Common sense is the guide for identity theft prevention advises CASE.

The Jefferson County District Attorney's office offers these top 3 tips to help protect against identity theft:

• Remove excess economic and personal information from your purse or wallet.
• Be wary of your surroundings when bringing out your credit card.
• Buy a crosscut or diamond cut shredder and shred all personal information.