I heard a statistic on the radio news here in Phoenix that floored me: 1 in 4 Arizona residents (it might have been Phoenix residents) have had their identities compromised or stolen.   Unbelievable – but probably not too far from the truth. 

I've been in the Phoenix metropolitan area this week giving presentations to PC Users Groups that belong to the Arizona Association of Computer Clubs (or AZACC – see www.AZACC.org).  As part of my presentation (which mentions this blog), I ask the audience how many know that Phoenix is #1 on the list of cities that have the worst problem with identity theft.  Only about half know.  I then ask them to raise their hands if their identities have been compromised in some way.  (Between 10% and 20% of the hands go up).   Then I ask how many know whether their identities have been stolen or not.  Only a few people raise their hands.  Most people simply don't know, or think that checking their credit report will give them the definitive proof they need.  Not so fast.  Remember, only 1 in 3 incidences of identity theft involve credit, so it can involve extensive research to even know for sure.  And that explains the gap between 25% (1 in 4) and the 1 in 10 or 1 in 5 who are actually aware that their identities are compromised.

The need for knowledge about your situation is growing almost daily – research this issue and get SOME kind of protection soon.

I recently received my initial report from INVISUS.   NIDR checked a wide variety of public records and found me (and my family) clean and at minimal risk.  Whew!

Anyway, I love knowing that I have a comprehensive recovery plan and a proactive prevention plan (in addition to the insurance, credit monitoring, and regular credit reports) AND the peace of mind.  Priceless.

iDefend, Identity Theft, INVISUS Direct, NIDR, Phoenix