While identity theft is a constant threat regardless of geographical location, a study by WalletHub.com has revealed that some states face a higher risk of identity theft than others.
The study finds that residents living in Florida, Nevada, and the District of Columbia are most likely to be at risk for identity theft. Conversely, residents in South Dakota, Hawaii, and Maine are least vulnerable.
WalletHub urges residents to monitor their identities, regardless of where they live.
The main takeaway from the report is that people need to remain extra vigilant about monitoring their accounts, and be proactive in resolving any red flags they find, rather than waiting on their banks or the authorities to notify them of any wrong-doing. The truth is that everyone is vulnerable, no matter where they live.
“I think people need to get used to the idea that their Social Security number and personal information will probably be compromised in the next few years. It may have already happened,” Matthew D. Green, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute, told WalletHub.
“What people need to do individually is monitor their credit,” Green continued.
To fight against identity theft, WalletHub encourages people to step-up email security with an “especially secure password” and two-step authentication, and to leverage account alerts for all financial accounts.
For more information on how to secure your identity and spot identity theft, visit the IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft.
Photo by GotCredit via Flickr CC License
