Reading the statistics for identity theft over the past couple of years leaves you with the blueprint for what you must do to protect yourself in the upcoming year(s). The statistics that were released in 2008 should show you what is happening online and therefore the need for real precautions when it comes to our transactions on the internet. If you are doing business online, as many people are, or you use personal information in any sphere on the Internet, what can you do to protect yourself?

There was a twenty one percent increase in the number of consumer fraud and identity theft complaints between 2006 and 2007. This information was a part of the statistics that were released during the 2008 year by the Federal Trade Commission. There was also a loss of more than one billion dollars from these complaints during that same time frame. Even more devastating were the statistics that sixty five percent of victims did not file a police report. Of the remaining victims, twenty seven filed an accepted police report while eight percent tried to file a report that was not accepted by the police. 

One thing is very clear from these findings and that is that victims are not fighting back. The lack of real reporting on these crimes can only encourage the thieves to continue their practice of stealing your money. If you have been the victim of identity theft, it is imperative that you report the crime, not only to catch the criminals, but to serve as a warning to others who may fall victim to the very same crime. 

Pay attention to reports of identity theft and scams that are distributed online. The more aware we all are the more difficult it is for thieves to conduct their business. There are a number of businesses that will help you protect your identity and keep watch over your financial information. Make use of these services and watch your credit report and information very carefully. At the first sign that someone is using your name or financial information for their own purposes, report it. We must improve on those statistics for 2009 and put the thieves on notice that they will not have the cover of darkness any longer.