Volume V

Issue : 6: March 22, 2007

• Providing Legal Software Considered Unauthorized Practice of Law
• Identity Theft on the Rise
• Google Addresses Privacy Concerns by Limiting Storage of Search Data Linked to Users
• Court Upholds Internet Advertisers Refusal to Run Objectionable Ads
• eBay Cooperates with ATO Audits
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Targets Spam Scam
• The State of Washington to Collect Sales Tax from Online Retailers
• New Jersey Senate Approves Bills Prohibiting Internet Use for Sex Offenders
• Copyright Board Publishes Decision on Royalties for Online Music Downloads
• Vonage Ordered to Pay $58M to Verizon in VoIP Patent Dispute
• Viacom Launches Billion Dollar Copyright Suit Against YouTube
• Top EU Court Bars Italian Gambling Restrictions
• Alberta Cree Band Told to Cease Internet Gambling Plans
• First U.S. Internet Gambling Charges Since the Enactment of UIGEA

Home > Volume V > Issue 6: March 22, 2007 > Identity Theft on the Rise

Identity Theft on the Rise

A recent study by Gartner, Inc, an information and technology research firm headquartered in Connecticut, reveals that from 2005 to 2006 about 15 million Americans (or approximately 5% of the country’s population) were victims of fraud, stemming from identity theft. This marks a significant increase from the 2003 levels identified by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Gartner attributes this increase to the increasing use of electronic means employed by identity thieves, such as the exploitation of Internet auctions, non-regulated money transmittal systems, and impersonation of lottery and sweepstake contests.

In addition, the study notes that the average loss of funds has more than doubled from 2005 to 2006, and for the same period, a lower percentage of stolen funds are being recovered by victims.

For additional information, visit:

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6164765.html