Experian-Gallup Personal Credit Index Shows 18 Percent of Consumers Report Being Victims of Identity Theft

COSTA MESA, CA – Experian® and The Gallup Organization today announced that the latest Experian-Gallup Personal Credit Index(SM) finds that 18 percent of consumers report being victims of identity theft, with younger adults at greatest risk. Twenty-five percent of consumers under age 30 report having their financial information stolen, compared with about 18 percent in the middle-aged group and just 11 percent among consumers 65 and older. More results for the Personal Credit Index can be found at www.PersonalCreditIndex.com.

“The public’s perception about how many consumers have suffered identity theft appears fairly accurate, according to the poll, with the median projected percentage at 15 percent — not very far off from the 18 percent measured in the poll,” said Ed Ojdana, group president of Experian Interactive. “This makes it all the more concerning that so few consumers are being proactive in protecting their information.”

The poll also finds some significant regional differences. Only 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively, of consumers in the Midwest and South report being victimized, compared with 20 percent and 26 percent, respectively, of consumers in the East and West.

About two-thirds of consumers who have not experienced identity theft say it is unlikely to happen to them. Only 6 percent have purchased some form of identity theft protection, and just 4 percent have purchased identity theft insurance and checked their credit report to see if they are victims of identity theft.

Though few consumers have taken preventive action to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, 62 percent are concerned that their financial information could be stolen online. More than half also are concerned that their personal information could be stolen from the mail (55 percent) or at a retail store (53 percent), while just under half (47 percent) fear becoming a victim at a restaurant. Smaller numbers fear identity theft from their garbage (40 percent), their home (33 percent), or their work or school (25 percent).

The poll also showed a surge in consumer optimism about personal credit, with the Personal Credit Index jumping from 79 last month to 98 this month. This is the highest score since the launch of the Personal Credit Index in March, when it was established at a benchmark score of 100.

“The overall increase is driven primarily by more positive consumer feelings about being able to make their monthly payments and maintain a good credit rating — both now and in the future,” said Dennis Jacobe, chief economist for The Gallup Organization. “It’s encouraging to see this increase in the Personal Credit Index.”

More information about the Experian-Gallup Personal Credit Index can be found on the official Web site at www.PersonalCreditIndex.com.