A study conducted by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Research finds that despite growing fears about online fraud, most cases of identity theft originate offline.

“Most often, a lost or stolen wallet or checkbook gives thieves information to commit fraud. Computer crimes made up just 12 percent of all identity fraud cases in which the cause is known; and of those half are attributed to spyware, the software that sneaks onto computers and can send back private information.” According to the AP.

The study also found that identity fraud is often committed by a friend, relative, in-home employee or someone else known by the victim.

Link to the press release for the study: http://www.bbbonline.org/idtheft/safetyquiz.asp

Full(ish) report: http://www.javelinstrategy.com/reports/documents/2005_Javeln_Strategy_Research_Identity_Fraud_Survey_Complimentary_Report.pdf

In today’s economic and technologically advanced culture, there are two constants: (1) the amount of personal information available on the Internet is increasing, and therefore the greater the risk of identify theft; and (2) people are depending less on cash and more on credit as a way to obtain goods and services. When you combine these two factors, the risks to each individual increases dramatically. However, a concerned individual could always obtain a copy of their credit report to investigate any anamolies. Obtaining a copy of your credit report is one of the best ways to prevent and combat identity theft. Beginning last month, legally, Americans were entitled to one free credit report per year. I encourage everyone to exercise this new right and obtain their credit report.

The following article contains more information about this new law, as well as factoids about obtaining your credit report and identity theft: “Giving credit where it is due: Check out your rating“