Ark. AG Releases Identity Theft Stats for 2005

In recognition of 2006 National Consumer Protection Week, Arkansas Attorney General Mike Beebe recently provided new statistics from the Federal Trade Commission on fraud-and-identity-theft trends in Arkansas and the nation.

Arkansans reported a record number of 1,617 identity theft cases in 2005. That represents a 15 percent increase, or 220 more cases than in 2004. Credit card fraud was involved in nearly one-third of ID theft cases in Arkansas last year, making it the most common form of identity theft.

The Arkansas cities with the most reported cases of ID theft are (in order): Little Rock, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Fort Smith and Springdale.

The Internet continues to be the most favored arena for ID theft and other scams to spread. More than half of the consumers contacted by scam artists were reached via the Internet, through either e-mails or Web sites. Internet-related fraud cost American consumers an unprecedented $336 million in 2005, with the median amount paid to scam artists increasing by more than half to $345 per victim.

According to the FTC, other than identity theft, online auctions have become the top category of fraud in Arkansas, followed by foreign money orders and shop-at-home scams.

“Identity theft and most major categories of fraud can oftentimes be avoided through taking simple precautions and avoiding high-pressure tactics,” Beebe said. “Remember that giving out personal information through an e-mail or over the phone is risky. If you take the time to research an offer before responding, you can spot fraud and avoid being victimized.”

The Federal Trade Commission has created an interactive game Web site to provide a creative way to educate consumers about potential scams. You can play at www.consumer.gov/ncpw/grandscam/index.html.

Topics Fraud Arkansas Alaska