Prepared for Federal Trade Commission

September, 2003 

Prepared by Synovate

Synovate Tel 703 790 9099 

1650 Tysons Blvd Fax 703 790 9181 

Suite 110 www.synovate.com 

McLean VA 

22102 

Federal Trade Commission – 

Identity Theft Survey Report 
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 2 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Table of Contents

Methodology ....................................................................Page 3

Executive Summary.........................................................Pages 4 – 9

Incidence of Identity Theft ..............................................Pages 10 – 16

Time Considerations .......................................................Pages 17 – 26

Offenders’ Means of Access...........................................Pages 27 – 31

Forms of Identity Theft ...................................................Pages 32 – 37

Toll of Victimization.........................................................Pages 38 – 48

Actions Taken..................................................................Pages 49 – 63

Appendix A – Questionnaire...........................................Pages 64 – 91

Appendix B – TeleNation Methodology..........................Pages 92 – 93
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 3 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Methodology

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sponsored a survey of US adults on the topic of Identity 

Theft and the resulting experiences of victims. The specific objectives of the study were:

• Estimate the incidence of Identity Theft Victimization

• Measure the impacts of Identity Theft on the victims

• Identify actions taken by victims

• Explore measures that may help victims of future cases of Identity Theft

The study was conducted using interviews conducted by telephone. Synovate’s omnibus survey –

TeleNation – was the data collection vehicle. TeleNation uses a Random-Digit-Dialing (RDD) 

sampling methodology to obtain a random sample of US adults age 18 and older. Each 

administration of TeleNation yields at least 1,000 completed interviews with a nationally 

representative sample.

Four waves of interviewing were conducted on the following dates:

• March 17 – 19, 2003

• April 7 – 9, 2003

• April 14 – 16, 2003

• April 21 – 23, 2003

In total, 4,057 interviews with US adults were conducted. A more complete description of 

TeleNation’s procedures is included as an Appendix to this report.

In addition to standard data processing procedures, additional weighting of the data was performed 

to represent properly respondents who were victims of only the credit card form of Identity Theft. 

For budgetary reasons, this group was only asked a limited number of questions in the April 21-23 

TeleNation survey. To bring this group’s responses back into proper proportion, an additional 

weighting step was conducted.

With the exception of the data on the number of people who discovered that they were victims of 

ID Theft within the last year, the results contained in this report are for victims who have 

discovered that their personal information was being misused – that is that they were victims of 

Identity Theft – within the last 5 years. That is, the results reported are based on people who gave 

answers 1 through 7 in response to Question 6 of the survey.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 4 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Executive Summary

The Incidence of ID Theft

• 1.5 percent of survey participants reported that in the last year they had discovered that 

their personal information had been misused to open new credit accounts, take out new 

loans, or engage in other types of fraud, such as misuse of the victim’s name and identifying 

information when someone is charged with a crime, when renting an apartment, or when 

obtaining medical care (“‘New Accounts & Other Frauds’ ID Theft”). This result suggests 

that almost 3.25 million Americans discovered that their personal information had been 

misused in this kind of fraud in the past year. (See Table 1.)

• 2.4 percent of survey participants reported misuse of their information in the last year that 

was limited to the misuse of one or more of their existing credit cards or credit card account 

numbers (“Misuse of Existing Credit Cards or Card Numbers”). 0.7 percent of participants 

reported misuse of one or more of their existing accounts other than credit cards – for 

example checking or savings accounts or telephone accounts (“Misuse of Existing NonCredit Card Accounts or Account Numbers”).1

• Including all types of ID Theft, a total of 4.6 percent of survey participants indicated that they 

had discovered they were victims of ID Theft in the past year. This result suggests that 

almost 10 million Americans have discovered that they were the victim of some form of ID 

Theft within the last year. 

• 4.7 percent of survey participants reported that they had discovered that they were victims 

of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft during the previous 5 years. 6.0 percent said 

that they had discovered that they were victims of the “Misuse of Existing Credit Cards or 

Card Numbers,” while 2.0 percent indicated that they were victims of the “Misuse of Existing 

Non-Credit Card Accounts or Account Numbers.” In total, 12.7 percent of survey 

participants reported that they had discovered the misuse of their personal information 

within the last 5 years.

 

1

Victims of identity theft are classified as belonging to one of three categories based on the most serious problem 

the victim reported. For example, victims who reported that a new account had been opened using their information and also that 

their existing credit cards had been misused were placed in the “New Accounts & Other Frauds” category, not in the “Misuse of 

Existing Credit Card or Credit Card Number” category. The “New Accounts & Other Frauds” category was considered to be the 

most serious, followed by “Misuse of Existing Non-Credit Card Account or Account Number.” “Misuse of Existing Credit Card 

or Card Number” was considered the least serious type of victimization.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 5 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Table 1: Incidence of ID Theft in the Last Year, By Type of Misuse2

Discovered That You Were a Victim in the Last Year

 New Accounts & Other Fraud 31.5 %

 Misuse of Existing Non-Credit Card Account or Account Number 0.7 %

 Misuse of Existing Credit Card or Credit Card Number 2.4 %

 Total Victims 4.6 %

Discovered That You Were a Victim in the Last Five Years

 New Accounts and Other Fraud 4.7 %

 Misuse of Existing Non-Credit Card Account or Account Number 2.0 %

 Misuse of Existing Credit Card or Credit Card Number 6.0 %

 Total Victims 12.7 %

 

2

As explained in footnote 1, each victim is classified as belonging to only one of the categories of ID Theft based 

on the most serious problem the victim reported. Approximately 65 percent of those who experienced “New Accounts & Other 

Frauds” ID Theft within the last five years also experienced the misuse of an existing credit card or other account – 22 percent 

experienced the misuse of an existing credit card, 26 percent experienced the misuse of an existing non-credit card account, and 16 

percent experienced both the misuse of existing credit cards and the misuse of existing non-credit card accounts. (The numbers do 

not add to 65 due to rounding.) Similarly, 40 percent of victims in the “Misuse of Existing Non-Credit Card Account or Account 

Number” category also experienced the misuse of an existing credit card account.

3

“Other Frauds” include misuse of the victim’s information to misrepresent a person’s identity when someone is 

charged with a crime by law enforcement authorities, when renting an apartment or home, when obtaining medical care or 

employment with the victim’s information, and similar misuses.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 6 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

The Costs of ID Theft

• On average, victims of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft indicated that the person or 

persons who misused the victim’s personal information had obtained money or goods and 

services valued at $10,200 using the victim’s information. This result suggests that the total 

loss to businesses, including financial institutions, from this type of ID Theft was $33 billion 

in the last year.4 (See Table 2.)

• Adding the costs that resulted from “Misuse of Existing Credit Cards and Credit Card 

Accounts Only” ID Theft and from “Misuse of Other Existing Accounts” ID Theft to those 

from “New Accounts & Other Frauds,” the total cost of this crime approaches $50 billion per 

year, with the average loss from the misuse of a victim’s personal information being $4,800.

• Individuals whose information is misused bear only a small percentage of the cost of ID 

Theft. Nonetheless, looking at all forms of ID Theft, victims estimated that they had spent 

$500 on average to deal with their ID Theft experience. Victims of the “New Accounts and 

Other Frauds” type of ID Theft estimated that they had spent almost $1,200 on average. 

Thus, the total annual cost of ID Theft to its victims appears to be about $5.0 billion, with 

victims of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft bearing $3.8 billion of that total.

• Victims of ID Theft also spend a considerable amount of their own time resolving the various 

problems that occurred because of the misuse of their personal information. On average, 

victims reported that they spent 30 hours resolving their problems. On average, victims of 

the “New Accounts and Other Frauds” form of ID Theft spent 60 hours resolving their 

problems. This suggests that Americans spent almost 300 million hours resolving problems 

related to ID Theft in the past year, with almost two-thirds of this time – 194 million hours –

spent by victims of “New Accounts and Other Frauds” ID Theft.

• 15 percent of ID Theft victims reported that their personal information was misused in nonfinancial ways. The most common such use reported was to present the victim’s name and 

identifying information when someone was stopped by law enforcement authorities or was 

charged with a crime. 4 percent of victims reported that their information was misused in 

this way. 

 

4

Victims are generally not liable for losses based on fraudulent actions taken by identity thieves using their 

personal information. A variety of laws limit consumers’ liability in these situations. Such laws include the Truth in Lending Act, 

15 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq., implemented by Regulation Z, 12 C.F.R. § 226; see especially 15 U.S.C. § 1643; 12 C.F.R. § 226.12(b) 

(limits consumer liability for unauthorized credit card charges to a maximum of $50), and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, 15 

U.S.C. § 1693 et seq., implemented by Regulation E, 12 C.F.R. § 205; see especially 15 U.S.C. § 1693g; 12 C.F.R. § 205.6(b) 

(limits consumer liability for unauthorized electronic fund transfers depending upon the timing of consumer notice to the 

applicable financial institution). Consumer liability for losses associated with check fraud and loan fraud are typically limited by 

state statute or common law.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 7 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Table 2: Costs of ID Theft in the Last Year1

New Accounts & 

Other Frauds

Misuse of Existing 

Accounts (Both Credit 

Card & Non-Credit Card)

All ID Theft

Victims in the Last Year

Percent of Population 1.5 % Credit Card – 2.4 %

Non Credit Card – 0.7 %

4.6 %

Number of Persons2

3.23 million 6.68 million 9.91 million

 

Loss to Businesses, inc.

Financial Institutions

Average Per Victim1 $10,200 $2,100 $4,800

Total $32.9 billion $14.0 billion $47.6 billion

Loss to Victims

Average Per Victim $1,180 $160 $500

Total $3.8 billion $1.1 billion $5.0 billion

Hours Victims Spent Resolving 

Their Problems

Average Per Victim 60 hours 15 hours 30 hours

Total 194 million hours 100 million hours 297 million hours

 

1

Totals by type of ID Theft may not sum to the amount shown in the totals column due to rounding. 

“Average Per victim” figures in the “All ID Theft” column are a weighted average of the values for the different types 

of ID Theft with the incidence in the past year used as weights.

2

Based on U.S. population age 18 and over of 215.47 million as of July 1, 2002. 

(http://eire.census.gov/popest/data/national/tables/asro/NA-EST2002-ASRO-01.php (visited July 14, 2003).
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 8 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• The ID Theft victim’s personal information is often misused for a substantial period of time. 13 

percent of victims reported that their information was misused for 6 months or more. (For 

“New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft, 27 percent of cases involved the misuse of the 

victim’s information for at least 6 months.) On the other hand, in 26 percent of all cases of ID 

Theft the misuse was limited to a single day. (Misuse was limited to a single day in 36 percent 

of cases that only involved the misuse of existing credit cards or card numbers.)

The Benefits of Quick Discovery

• The cost of an incident of ID Theft is significantly smaller if the misuse of the victim’s personal 

information is discovered quickly. When the misuse was discovered within 5 months of its 

onset, the value obtained by the thief was less than $5,000 in 82 percent of cases (including all 

forms of ID Theft). When victims took 6 months or more to discover that their information was 

being misused, the thief obtained $5,000 or more in 44 percent of cases. 

• The costs to the victim – both in terms of out-of-pocket expense and in time spent resolving 

problems – are also substantially smaller if the misuse is discovered quickly. No out-of-pocket 

expenses were incurred by 67 percent of those who discovered the misuse of their personal 

information within 5 months of the time the misuse began. Where it took 6 months or more to 

discover the misuse, only 40 percent of victims incurred no out-of-pocket expenses.

• New accounts were opened in less than 10 percent of cases when it took victims less than a 

month to discover that their information was being misused. New accounts were opened in 45 

percent of cases when 6 months or more elapsed before the misuse was discovered. At least 

in part, this result may reflect the fact that quickly discovering that a new account has been 

created in a person’s name may be more difficult than discovering that an existing account is 

being misused. It may also suggest the likelihood that quick discovery reduces the risk that 

new accounts will be opened.

• In terms of the amount of time spent resolving problems, 76 percent of victims who discovered 

the misuse of their information within one month spent fewer than 10 hours resolving their 

problems, while in only 20 percent of cases where it took more than 6 months to discover the 

misuse were victims able to resolve all of their problems in less than 10 hours. 
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 9 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Reporting ID Theft

• Most victims of ID Theft do not report the crime to criminal authorities. Only about 25 percent 

of victims who participated in the survey said that they had reported the crime to local police. 

Even with the more serious “New Accounts and Other Frauds” form of ID Theft, only 43 

percent of victims said that they had reported their experiences to local police.

• Only 22 percent of ID Theft victims said that they had notified one or more credit bureaus 

about their experiences. Even among those who suffered from the “New Accounts & Other 

Frauds” type of ID Theft, only 37 percent contacted a credit bureau. Of those victims who 

contacted credit bureaus, 62 percent asked to have a “fraud alert” placed on their credit 

reports.

• Theft, including a lost or stolen wallet or pocket book or the theft of a victim’s mail, was the 

most commonly mentioned way of obtaining the victim’s personal information. Approximately 

25 percent of ID Theft victims reported that their information was obtained through such theft. 

Approximately one-half of ID Theft victims said that they did not know how the person who 

misused their personal information obtained it.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 10 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Incidence of Identity Theft
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 11 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q1 / Q3a / Q4 – Incidence of Identity Theft, Past 5 Years

• 4.7% of American adults surveyed said that within the last 5 years they had discovered that 

they were the victim of an Identity Theft that involved the opening of new accounts or loans 

or committing theft, fraud, or other crimes using the victim’s personal information (“New 

Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft). (Approximately 65% of those who experienced “New 

Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft within the last five years also experienced the misuse of 

an existing credit card or other account – 22% experienced the misuse of an existing credit 

card, 26% experienced the misuse of an existing non-credit card account, and 16% 

experienced both the misuse of existing credit cards and the misuse of existing non-credit 

card accounts.)

• Within the past 5 years, 2.0% of adults reported having an existing account other than a 

credit card, such as a checking or savings account or a utility account misused (“Misuse of 

Existing Non-Credit Card Accounts” ID Theft). (40% of these victims also experienced the 

misuse of an existing credit card).

• The most commonly reported form of Identity Theft involves the misuse of an existing credit 

card or credit card number. 6.0% of survey participants indicated they had been the victim 

of ID Theft, but that the misuse of their information had been limited to the misuse of an 

4.7%

2.0%

6.0%

12.7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

New accounts & other

frauds

Other existing accounts Existing credit card only Total victimization

`
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 12 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

existing credit card or credit card number (“Misuse of Existing Credit Card or Card Number”

ID Theft). 

• In total, 12.7% of survey respondents reported that within the last five years they had 

discovered that they were victims of one of the three types of Identity Theft. This implies 

that approximately 27 million American adults have been victims in this period.

• Non-whites also report slightly higher rates of victimization (16%) than whites (12%).

• Residents of the West Census region were most likely to be victims of Identity Theft within 

the past 5 years (14%). The crime was found least in the Midwest region (10%) over the 

same time period. Among respondents from the South, 13% reported experience with 

Identity Theft; 12% of those in the Northeast region also have been victimized.

• Americans age 55 and over were slightly less likely to report victimization within the past 5 

years (9%) than the population as a whole (13%).
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 13 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q1 / Q3a / Q4 – Incidence of Identity Theft, Past Year

• Within the past year, 1.5% of those surveyed said that they had discovered that their personal 

information had been misused to open new accounts, to obtain new loans, or to commit theft, 

fraud, or other crimes. (“New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft) This indicates that almost 

3.25 million American adults were victimized in this way within the last year.

• 2.4% of participants indicated that they had discovered that they were victims of the “Misuse of 

Existing Credit Cards or Credit Card Numbers” within the last year. 0.7% of participants 

indicated that they had discovered that they were victims of the “Misuse of Existing Non-Credit 

Card Accounts or Account Numbers” during that period of time.

• A total of 4.6% of those who participated in this survey indicated that they had discovered that 

they were the victim of some form of ID Theft within the last year. This suggests that almost 10 

million adults in the United States were victims in the past year.

1.5% 0.7% 2.4% 4.6%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

New accounts & other

frauds

Other existing accounts Existing credit card only Total victimization

`
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 14 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q2 / Q3 – Credit card misuse

• 28% of Identity Theft victims whose ID Theft experience included the misuse of existing 

credit cards said that the misused card had been either lost or stolen.

• 16% of victims who had their existing credit cards misused said that the person who 

misused their credit card also tried to “take over” the account by doing such things as 

changing the billing address or adding themselves to the card as an authorized user.

28%

16%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Card lost/stolen Attempted to take over
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 15 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q43 – Victims’ concern about future victimization

• Victims of Identity Theft are divided in their concern that they will be victims again. Looking 

at all victims of ID Theft – regardless of the type of misuse they experienced -- slightly fewer 

than half (44%) say they are “very” or “somewhat” concerned that they will be victimized 

again, while 55% say they are “not very” or “not at all” concerned.

• Those whose personal information was misused to open new accounts or commit other 

types of fraud (“New Accounts & Other Frauds”) are slightly more concerned about future 

misuse of their information (47% “very” or “somewhat” concerned) than those who only 

experienced the misuse of an existing credit card (36% “very” or “somewhat” concerned.) 

• Non-white victims (53%) are more likely than white victims (40%) to be concerned about 

future acts of misuse by an identity thief.

• Lower income victims were the most likely to express concern about future victimization 

(60% of victims whose household incomes were less than $25,000 said that they were 

“very” or “somewhat” concerned).

28%

20%

14%

19%

29%

21% 22%

26%

18%

31%

25%

45%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

New accounts & other frauds Other existing accounts Existing credit card only

Very concerned

Somewhat concerned

Not very concerned

Not at all concerned
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 16 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• Victims who suffered four or more distinct misuses of their information were more likely to 

be concerned about future misuse than were victims whose information was not so 

extensively misused. 68% of those with four or more distinct misuses said that they were 

“very” or “somewhat” concerned about future misuse, whereas 38% of those with one to 

three distinct misuses were similarly concerned. (A distinct misuse is the misuse of a 

particular existing account, the opening of a single new account, or use of a victim’s 

personal information for any of the purposes identified in Q28.)
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 17 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Time Considerations
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 18 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q6 – Discovery of misuse

• Based on the survey results, it appears that incidents of Identity Theft are on the rise in the 

US. The trend appears to accelerate with reports of Identity Theft within the past two years.

• Approximately one-quarter of Identity Theft victims found out about the misuse of their 

information within the past year. This represents approximately 10 million Americans, 4.7% 

of American adults, who have discovered that they have been a victim of Identity Theft 

within the past year.

• Another quarter of respondents discovered the misuse of their personal information 6 or 

more years ago.

• Overall the number of ID Theft victims who reported discovering the misuse of their personal 

information within the last year was 41% greater than the number discovering misuse 

between 1 and 2 years ago. This growth was concentrated in the “Misuse of Existing Credit 

Card Accounts Only” category, where the rate of growth was 71%. For “New Accounts & 

Other Frauds” ID Theft, the number of victims discovering misuse within the last year was 

essentially unchanged from the year before.

26%

18%

9% 8%

6% 4%

26%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Within past

year

1 - 2 years ago 2 - 3 years ago 3 - 4 years ago 4 - 5 years ago 5 - 6 years ago 6 or more

years ago
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 19 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• The number of ID Theft victims who reported discovering the misuse of their personal 

information between 1 and 2 years ago was almost double that for the period 2 – 3 years 

ago. Between these two periods, there was substantial growth in all forms of ID Theft.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 20 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q7 – Length of time to discover misuse

• For approximately one-third of all victims, it took less than one week to discover that their 

personal information was being misused.

• Discovering the misuse was quickest for people who experienced misuse of existing noncredit card accounts (41% discovered the misuse within one week) or who only experienced 

the misuse of existing credit cards (39%).

• Victims of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft were far less likely to discover the 

misuse within one week. Only 17% of victims of ID Theft that involved the opening of new 

accounts and other types of fraud discovered that their information was being misused 

within a week of the onset of the misuse. 

• 26% of all victims discovered the misuse of their information between one week and one 

month after the time the misuse began.

• 12% of all victims took more than 6 months to discover the misuse. The victims most likely 

to have discovered the misuse of their information after this lapse of time were those with 

lower household incomes (19% of households with incomes of under $25,000 took 6 

17% 17%

33%

24%

41%

37%

19%

3%

39%

28%

25%

8%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Less than one week One week to one

month

1 - 5 months 6 months or more

New accounts & other frauds

Other existing accounts

Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 21 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

months or more to discover the misuse, compared to just 7% of households with incomes of 

$75,000 or more). Non-whites (19% of whom took 6 months or more to discover the 

misuse) and those with lower levels of education (15% of those with a high school education 

or less took at least 6 months) are also likely to take longer to discover the theft of their 

information.

• Nearly one-quarter of the victims of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” took 6 months or more 

to discover the misuse.

• It is likely that the time it takes many victims to uncover the occurrence of Identity Theft is 

related to the billing cycle for credit cards and other existing accounts. Seeing unauthorized 

account activity on a billing statement was the most cited way of discovering Identity Theft.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 22 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q8 – Aware information taken before misuse

• Just 11% of respondents said they were aware that their personal information had been 

taken before discovering they were victims of Identity Theft.

• 8% of those who experienced only the misuse of existing credit cards and 9% of those who 

experienced the misuse of existing non-credit card accounts were aware their information 

had been taken before the misuse began. This compares to 17% of victims of “New 

Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft. 

• Victims who live in the Northeast (5%) and West (9%) were least likely to say they knew 

their information had been taken, while victims in the South (15%) and Midwest (14%) were 

most likely to know.

17%

9% 8%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

New accounts & other frauds Other existing accounts Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 23 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q9 – Current status of misuse

• At the time of the survey, 5% of victims were still experiencing misuse of their personal 

information. Another 2% were not sure if the misuse had stopped.

• Victims who had experienced four or more distinct misuses of their personal information, 

whether the misuse of an existing account, the opening of a new account, or other types of 

misuse, were more likely to say that their information was still being misused (13% of these 

victims were still experiencing misuse of their information and another 4% were unsure 

whether the misuse had stopped).

• Lower-income victims (those with household incomes of less than $25,000) were also more 

likely to say that the misuse was ongoing – 8% were being victimized at the time of the 

survey and another 8% were unsure if the misuse had stopped.

93%

5%

2%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Misuse has stopped Misuse is ongoing Don't know
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 24 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q10 – Period of misuse

• Considering victims of all types of ID Theft, the median time period that victims say their 

information was misused is between one week and one month. (That is, 50% of victims 

said that their information was misused over this amount of time or less and the other 50% 

said their information was misused at least this long.) The average period of misuse was 

3.2 months.

• 25% of all victims said that the misuse of their information occurred only during a single day. 

• 12% of all victims reported that their information was misused for more than 6 months.

• 54% of victims who had only existing credit cards misused said that their accounts were 

misused over a period of less than one week.

• People who have experienced the more serious forms of ID Theft – those who had new 

accounts opened or other types of fraud committed using their personal information --

reported that the misuse took place over a much longer period of time; more than onequarter of these victimizations lasted 6 months or more. 

20%

15%

30%

27%

45%

23%

26%

1%

54%

18%

22%

5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Less than one week One week to one

month

1 - 5 months 6 months or more

New accounts & other frauds

Other existing accounts

Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 25 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• Those with lower levels of education are the most likely to report that the misuse of their 

information lasted 6 months or more (16% of those with only a high school education or 

less). 

• A significant percentage of both lower and middle income households also reported 

victimization spanning 6 months or more (17% of victims with household incomes below 

$25,000; 18% of those with incomes between $25,000 and $75,000).
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 26 of 93 September 2003

Q11 / Q12 – Problem Federal Trade Commission resolution

• Although just 5% of victims said the misuse of their information was ongoing at the time of 

the survey, four times that number – 21% of all Identity Theft victims – said they were still 

experiencing problems as a result of that misuse. (When asked whether they were still 

experiencing problems resulting from the misuse of their personal information, 16% of 

victims said that they had not experienced any problems.)

• Victims who experienced the “New Accounts & Other Frauds” form of ID Theft (34% still 

experiencing problems), non-whites (30%) and middle income victims (27% of those 

reporting household incomes of $50,000 - $75,000) were among the most likely to say they 

were still experiencing problems. Conversely, victims age 55 and over were less likely to 

still be experiencing problems (12% still experiencing problems).

• Overall, one quarter of all victims who had resolved all problems were able to do so within a 

single day. Among victims who only experienced the misuse of existing accounts – whether 

credit card accounts or other accounts – 32% were able to resolve their problems in a single 

day.

• The median time required to resolve problems was between one week and one month.

25%

45%

57%

17%

33%

17%

15%

13% 15%

39%

10% 9%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

New accounts & other frauds Other existing accounts Existing credit card only

Resolved w/in one week

Resolved in 8 - 30 days

Resolved in 1 - 2 months

Resolved in 3+ months
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 27 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Offenders’ Means of Access
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 28 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q14 / Q15 – Awareness of identity of thief

• Knowledge of the thief’s identity is more likely when the crime involves more serious cases 

of Identity Theft. 34% of victims who experienced “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft 

were aware of the thief’s identity. Among those who experienced only the misuse of 

existing credit card accounts, just 18% knew the identity of the person who misused their 

account(s).

• More broadly, in 26% of all cases, the victim knew who had misused their personal 

information. 

• 35% of the 26% of victims who knew the identity (or, in other words, 9% of all victims) said a 

family member or relative was the person responsible for misusing their personal 

information. 

o In those cases where the ID Theft involved the opening of new accounts or the 

committing of other types of fraud, 52% of those who knew the thief’s identity – 18%

34%

32%

18%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

New accounts & othe r frauds Other existing accounts Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 29 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

of victims of this type of ID Theft -- identified a family member or relative as the 

perpetrator.

o Where the misuse involved only existing credit cards, a family member or relative 

was cited as the person who misused the information by only 26% of victims who 

said they knew who the person was.

• 23% of the 26% of all victims who knew the identity of the thief (or 6% of all victims) said the 

person responsible was someone who worked at a company or financial institution that had 

access to the victim’s personal information. 

o Where the misuse involved only existing credit card accounts, someone at a 

company or financial institution was cited as the source of the misused information by 

33% of those who knew the person’s identity. 

o In those cases that involved new accounts or other types of fraud, 13% of those who 

knew the identity identified the perpetrator as an employee of such companies.

• Of the 26% who knew the identity of the person who took their information, 18% said the 

thief was a friend, neighbor, or in-home employee, while 16% said the thief was a complete 

stranger, but the victim later became aware of the thief’s identity. (These figures represent 

5% and 4% of all victims respectively.)
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 30 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q16 / Q17 – How information was obtained

• About half of all victims (51%) say they know how their personal information was obtained 

by the identity thief. 

• Nearly one-quarter of all victims said that their information was lost or stolen – including lost 

or stolen credit cards, checkbooks, social security cards, or information obtained through 

stolen mail. 

o 14% of all victims said that their information had been obtained from a lost or stolen 

wallet, checkbook, or credit card. Loss of these items was the source of the 

information for 17% of victims who only suffered the “Misuse of Existing Credit Cards 

or Card Numbers.” For victims of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft, a lost or 

stolen wallet, checkbook, or credit card was the source of the information in only 8% 

of cases. 

o 4% of all victims cited stolen mail as the source of the information – 3% of those who 

suffered the “Misuse of Existing Credit Cards or Card Numbers,” 7% of those who 

suffered “New Accounts & Other Frauds.”

20%

11%

27%

42%

22%

9%

12%

56%

23%

17%

8%

49%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Theft Transaction Other Don't know

New accounts & other frauds

Other existing accounts

Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 31 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• 13% of all victims say their information was obtained during a transaction – by taking 

information from a credit card receipt or during a purchase, or through purchases made over 

the Internet, mail, or phone. Those who experienced theft of existing credit card accounts 

only were most likely to mention transactions as the source of information for the thief 

(17%). 

• 14% of all victims said the thief used “other” means to obtain their information. This 

includes people who said that their personal information was misused by someone who had 

access to it such as a family member or a workplace associate. Others indicated that the 

thief had obtained their personal information from printed checks or bills or that they had 

given the information to someone who then used it for another purpose. 

• The victim was more likely to know how their information was obtained where there had 

been four or more distinct misuses of the victim’s information (69%) and where amounts of 

$1,000 or more were involved (60%). 
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 32 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Forms of Identity Theft
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 33 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q1 / Q19 / Q20 – Existing accounts misused

• In total, 85% of ID Theft victims reported that one or more of their existing accounts had 

been misused.

• 67% of all victims said that they have had an existing credit card account misused.

• 19% of all Identity Theft victims said their existing checking or savings accounts were 

misused.

• 9% of all victims said existing telephone service accounts – conventional or wireless – were 

misused.

• Fewer victims mentioned misuse of existing Internet (3%) or insurance (2%) accounts.

67%

19%

9%

3% 2%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Existing credit card Checking/savings Telephone service Internet Insurance
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 34 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q24 / Q25 / Q27 – New accounts opened by identity thieves

• Among Identity Theft victims, 17% said the thief used the victim’s personal information to 

open at least one new account, such as new credit card accounts, new loans, new 

telephone service accounts, or some other new account.

• The most common new account obtained by the identity thief was a new credit card 

account. 8% of all victims – almost half of those whose personal information was used to 

open one or more new accounts – said that their information was used to open new credit 

card accounts.

• 5% of all victims – approximately one-third of those who said that their personal information 

was used to open new accounts – reported that the thief had obtained new loans using their 

information.

• 5% of all victims also said that their information had been used to obtain new telephone 

service – either wireless service or traditional landline.

8%

5% 5%

3% 2% 1% 1%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Credit cards Loans Te lephone

service

Checking /

sav ings

Internet Othe r

accounts

Insurance
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 35 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• New checking or savings accounts were obtained using the personal information of 3% of 

all victims – approximately one-fifth of those who had new accounts opened. 

• New accounts were opened in less than 10% of cases when it took victims less than a 

month to discover that their information was being misused. New accounts were opened in 

45% of cases when 6 months or more elapsed before the misuse was discovered. At least 

in part, this result may reflect the fact that quickly discovering that a new account has been 

created in a person’s name may be more difficult than discovering that an existing account 

is being misused. It may also suggest the likelihood that quick discovery reduces the risk 

that new accounts will be opened. 
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 36 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q24b / Q25a / Q25b / Q27b – Number of new accounts opened

• Of the 17% of all ID Theft victims who reported that new accounts were opened using their 

information, 31% reported that only one account was opened.

• Only 15% of the 17% of all victims who reported that new accounts were opened said that 5 

or more accounts were opened in their names.

31%

20%

12%

6%

10%

5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1 2 3 4 5-9 10 or more
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 37 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q28 – Misuses of personal information

• 15% of all ID Theft victims reported that the identity thief used their information in nonfinancial ways.

• 4% of all victims said that they were aware that the thief provided the victim’s name and 

identifying information when the thief was caught committing a crime.

• 3% of all victims said they were aware that the thief had used their personal information to 

obtain government documents, such as a driver’s license or social security card. (Of 

course, these figures may understate the extent to which ID Theft victims’ information is 

misused to obtain government documents because victims may be unaware that such 

documents have been obtained unless they are informed by police or others that a false 

document was presented in the process of doing something else.)

• Using the victim’s personal information to rent housing, to obtain medical care, to obtain 

employment, or to file a fraudulent tax return were each mentioned by 2% of all victims.

4% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2%

7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Committing

crime s

Obtaining

gov't

documents

Rent housing M e dical care Employment Tax re turn Other misuse
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 38 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Toll of Victimization
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 39 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q13 – How victims discovered ID Theft

• The most common way victims discovered the misuse of their personal information was by 

monitoring the activity in their accounts. This includes examining monthly statements from 

banks and credit card issuers. 52% of all victims cited this as the way they first found out 

they were victims of Identity Theft. 

o Monitoring account activity was cited as the way 62% of victims who only 

experienced the “Misuse of Existing Credit Cards or Account Numbers” discovered 

that they had been victimized. 

o Victims of the “Misuse of Existing Non-Credit Card Account” ID Theft cited this as 

how they discovered the misuse in 57% of cases. 

o Victims of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft discovered the misuse of their 

information by monitoring accounts in only 39% of cases.

• Companies such as banks, credit card issuers, or other vendors first notified one-quarter of 

all Identity Theft victims of the misuse of their information after noticing suspicious account 

activity. 

52%

26%

9% 8% 7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Monitoring account Company

notification

Theft victim While obtaining

credit

Other
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 40 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

o Being notified by a bank or credit card company was cited by 20% of victims whose 

ID Theft experience was limited to the misuse of existing accounts – whether credit 

cards or other accounts. 

o Notification by a bank or credit card company was cited by only 8% of victims of “New 

Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft. On the other hand, 18% of these victims said 

that they were notified by other parties – including companies where debts had been 

run up or government agencies.

• 8% of all victims first discovered a problem when they were turned down attempting to 

secure credit. 

o 18% of victims who had new accounts opened using their information or whose 

information was used to commit other frauds discovered the misuse when attempting 

to obtain credit. 

o Only 2% of victims who only had existing accounts misused – whether credit cards or 

other accounts – cited this as how they discovered that their information was being 

misused.

• 9% of all victims knew that they had lost their personal information because they had lost a 

wallet or purse or were victims of theft.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 41 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission Q29 – Value thief obtained

• Victims were asked to estimate the value of what the thief obtained from businesses, 

including financial institutions, using the victim’s personal information. These figures include 

amounts that became losses to the businesses involved and, in situations where the victim 

actually paid the debt created by the thief, those amounts as well. The median value was 

between $500 and $999.

• Overall, 16% of victims said that more than $5,000 was lost due to the misuse of their 

personal information. About 1-in-5 reported that less than $100 was involved.

• Victims of more serious forms of Identity Theft, those who had new accounts opened in 

their names or had their information used to commit other types of fraud, reported higher 

amounts lost; over one-third said over $5,000 was involved, and just 12% of the victims of 

this type of ID Theft reported a value of less than $100. The average loss resulting from 

this type of ID Theft was $10,200.

• The amount obtained by the thief was lower where the misuse of the victim’s information 

was discovered more quickly. When the misuse was discovered within 5 months of the 

initial misuse, the value obtained by the thief was $5,000 or more in only 11% of the cases. 

12% 13%

10%

19%

36%

22%

30%

11%

20%

5%

23%

30%

14%

23%

6%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

LT $100 $100 - $499 $500 - $999 $1,000 - $4,999 $5,000 or more

New accounts & other frauds

Other existing accounts

Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 42 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Where discovery took 6 months or more, the value obtained by the thief was at least 

$5,000 in 44% of cases.

• For people whose ID Theft experience only involved the misuse of an existing credit card or 

other account, the median amount reported as being lost was between $100 and $499. 

Almost 25% of these victims reported that the thief got less than $100.

• Those who suffered four or more distinct misuses of their information were also likely to 

report higher losses. More than one-half of this group (52%) said more than $5,000 was 

lost.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 43 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q30 – Money paid out of pocket

• For most victims of Identity Theft (63%), there was no loss of money out-of-pocket.

• Almost three-quarters of victims who only suffered the misuse of existing credit card 

accounts had no out-of-pocket losses. However, even for victims of the more serious kinds 

of ID Theft -- “New Accounts & Other Frauds” -- about half of victims reported incurring no 

out-of-pocket expenses.

• The average amount of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by victims of ID Theft was $500. 

For those who suffered from “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft, the average out-ofpocket expense was $1,200.

• Victims who quickly discovered that their information was being misused were less likely to 

incur out-of-pocket expenses. No out-of-pocket expenses were incurred by 67% of those 

who discovered the misuse less than 6 months after the misuse began. Only 40% of victims 

who took 6 months or longer to discover the misuse were able to avoid incurring some such 

expenses.

50%

12%

15% 16%

58%

15% 16%

6%

75%

8% 8%

3%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

None Less than $100 $100 - $999 $1,000 or more

New accounts & other frauds

Other existing accounts

Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 44 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• Victims with household incomes of less than $75,000 were more likely to have paid money 

out-of-pocket than were victims with higher household incomes (38% v 25%).

• Residents of the South and West regions were most likely to have out-of-pocket expenses 

as a result of being a victim of Identity Theft (36% and 35% respectively). Residents of the 

Northeast region were the least likely to have out-of-pocket expenses (16%).
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 45 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q31 – Time spent resolving problems

• When asked about the amount of time they spent resolving problems stemming from the 

misuse of their personal information, the median amount of time reported by victims was 2 

to 9 hours. 

• 35% of all victims reported that they were able to resolve all problems in one hour or less. 

Those who were existing credit card only victims (50%) and respondents age 55+ (46%) 

were significantly more likely to be able to settle Identity Theft issues in one hour or less.

• 29% of all victims required 2 to 9 hours to resolve their problems.

• 30% of all victims spent more than 10 hours.

• 6% of all victims spent over 240 hours of their time, working to resolve problems stemming 

from Identity Theft.

• The amount of time needed to resolve problems depends on how quickly the misuse is 

discovered. 76% of victims who discovered the misuse of their information less than a 

month after it began spent less than 10 hours resolving their problems. Where the misuse 

15%

29%

20%

29%

39% 38%

10% 8%

50%

26%

12%

7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1 hour or less 2 - 9 hours 10 - 39 hours 40 hours or more

New accounts & other frauds

Other existing accounts

Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 46 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

was discovered 1 to 5 months after the misuse began, 59% of victims spent less than 10 

hours resolving their problems. Where it took 6 or more months to discover the misuse, 

only 20% of victims were able to resolve their problems in this amount of time. (How long it 

took victims of the different types of ID Theft to discover the misuse of their information is 

discussed on page 19.)

• Victims whose information was used to open new accounts or commit other types of fraud 

required significantly more time to resolve their problems. Nearly half of these victims 

needed 10 hours or more to resolve problems, while only 15% were able to resolve their 

problems in an hour or less. Victims of this type of ID Theft reported that they spent an 

average of 60 hours resolving problems.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 47 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q32 – Other problems experienced

• Victims were asked whether they had experienced various types of problems as a result of 

having their personal information misused. These included having problems obtaining or 

using a credit card, being turned down for a loan, or having problems opening a bank 

account or cashing checks. A total of 36% of all Identity Theft victims reported having at 

least one of the problems identified. 

• Those who experienced more serious forms of Identity Theft – having new accounts opened 

in their names or having other forms of fraud committed using their personal information --

are far more likely to report having one or more the identified problems (64%) than those 

who only had existing credit card accounts misused (18%) or had other existing accounts 

misused (32%).

• The number of victims reporting one or more of these problems increases as the value of 

loss increases. When the loss is less than $1,000, 23% reported problems, compared to 

43% for those where the loss was between $1,000 and $5,000, and 74% when the loss was 

$5,000 or more.

36% 35% 35%

23%

16% 15% 14% 14%

3%

17% 17%

4%

2%

12% 13%

3%

0%

2%

9% 10%

8%

4% 4%

1% 3% 3% 1%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Credit card problems

Harassed by collector

Loan rejection

Banking problems

Insurance rejection

Utilities cut off

Civil suit filed

Criminal investigation

Other problems

New accounts & other frauds

Other existing accounts

Existing credit card only
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 48 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• The number of problems also depends on the extent and type of misuse of the victim’s 

information. Just 17% of those who had only 1 to 3 existing credit card accounts misused 

reported other problems as well. However, 76% of those who experienced four or more 

distinct misuses of their personal information reported other problems as a result of their 

victimization.

• When the crime is detected more quickly, fewer problems emerge. Among those who 

discovered the Identity Theft within one month of the initial crime, 26% reported having one 

or more of these problems. This compares to 76% of victims having such problems when 

the misuse is not discovered for at least 6 months.

• One-in-five Identity Theft victims said they have experienced problems obtaining or using 

credit cards in the wake of having their personal information misused. Credit card problems 

were worst for those who experienced four or more distinct misuses of their information 

(58% reported problems).

• Similarly, 20% of Identity Theft victims reported being harassed by a debt collector.

• 18% report being turned down for a loan; another 13% have had other banking problems 

such as being turned down for a new bank account, having checks rejected or appearing on 

a bad check list.

• Lower income households reported having more problems with being harassed by a debt 

collector (34% of those with incomes of less than $50,000) and being turned down for a loan 

(29% of those with incomes below $25,000).

• Non-whites reported more problems than whites. Also, younger victims (especially those 

between 25 and 34) were more likely to experience these types of problems than older 

victims.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 49 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Actions Taken
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 50 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q33 / Q33a – Contacts reporting Identity Theft

• Among Identity Theft victims, the most commonly reported contact was with the company 

that had issued an existing credit card or other account that was misused or that issued a 

new account to the thief (43%). (This also includes contacts with stores where a new or 

existing card was used.) Victims with household incomes of $25,000 or less were less likely 

to contact such companies.

• About one-quarter of victims called the police. Victims of “New Accounts & Other Frauds” 

ID Theft were most likely to contact local law enforcement (43% vs. 17% among those who 

had only existing accounts misused). 

• Victims of the more serious forms of Identity Theft were also more likely to contact a credit 

bureau (37%). Somewhat surprisingly, only 13% of victims who had existing credit card 

accounts misused said they contacted a credit reporting agency.

• The FTC was contacted by 3% of Identity Theft victims, while 5% contacted other federal 

agencies, including the Postal Service and the Social Security Administration.

43%

26%

22%

12%

8% 7% 5% 3%8%

38%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Credit grantor / where misused

Local police

Credit bureau

Lawyer

State AG / consumer agency

DMV

Other federal agency

FTC

Other

Did not contact anyone
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 51 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• 38% of victims reported that they did not report that they had been victims of ID Theft to 

anyone.

• Older victims were less likely to report that they were victimized than younger victims. Of 

victims age 18 – 24, only 17% did not report their experience, while 66% of victims 65 and 

over did not tell anyone.

• Where the loss that resulted from the ID Theft totaled $5,000 or more, 81% of victims 

reported their experience to someone. When the loss was less than $1,000, only 54% of 

victims reported what had happened to anyone.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 52 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q34 / Q34a – Satisfaction with credit card company 

• Among those who had just one existing credit card misused or who had one new credit card 

account opened in their name (56% of all Identity Theft victims), those who reported 

contacting the credit card company were overwhelmingly satisfied with the company’s 

response – 73% were “very satisfied” with how the credit card company responded to the 

report of misuse.

• Satisfaction was somewhat lower among victims who had more than one existing or new 

credit card misused. 53% of these victims were satisfied with all of the companies they 

contacted. Satisfaction was mixed for 24% of these victims, while 18% were dissatisfied 

with all of the credit card companies to whom they reported the misuse of their credit cards.

• Victims of the “New Accounts & Other Frauds” form of Identity Theft reported slightly lower 

levels of satisfaction than existing credit card only victims. 78% of those who experienced 

the more serious form of ID Theft reported that they were satisfied with the response of the 

credit card companies -- either “very” or “somewhat” satisfied for those who only had one 

73%

14%

3%

7%

53%

24%

18%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Very

satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied

Somewhat

dissatisfied

Very

dissatisfied

Satisfied

with all

Satisfied

with some

Dissatisfied

with all

More than one

credit card misused

One 

credit card misused
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 53 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

card misused or satisfied with all of the companies where multiple cards were misused. For 

those who only experienced misuse of existing credit cards, the satisfaction level was 91%.

• Satisfaction is also somewhat lower when higher amounts are involved. When the loss 

exceeded $5,000, 57% of victims said they were satisfied with the responses of the credit 

card companies. 89% of victims were satisfied where the losses were under $5,000.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 54 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q36 / Q33a – Credit bureaus contacted

• Among Identity Theft victims, 22% said they contacted at least one credit bureau. Of those 

who contacted a credit bureau, 25% contacted a single credit reporting agency, 12% 

contacted two, and 57% contacted three or more agencies. (The remaining 5% said they 

did not know how many credit bureaus they contacted.)

• Victims were most likely to contact a credit bureau when a loss of $5,000 or greater was 

involved (48% contacted one or more credit bureaus) or where there were four or more 

distinct misuses of the victim’s personal information (47%).

• 37% of those who experienced “New Accounts & Other Frauds” Identity Theft contacted at 

least one credit bureau. However, just 13% of those who had only existing credit cards 

misused contacted a credit bureau.

• The greater the values associated with the case of Identity Theft, the more likely the victim 

was to contact a credit bureau. In cases involving losses of less than $1,000, 15% made 

contact, compared to 21% in thefts involving $1,000 - $5,000, and 48% when the amount 

lost was $5,000 or greater. 

25%

12%

42%

16%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

One Two Thre e More than three
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 55 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q37 / Q37a – Satisfaction with credit bureaus

• Among ID Theft victims who reported contacting a single credit reporting agency, a majority 

(58%) said they were either “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the way their report was 

handled by the agency.

• Among those who contacted more than one credit reporting agency, nearly half (49%) were 

satisfied with all agencies they spoke to, 20% expressed satisfaction with some of their 

contacts but not others, and 31% were dissatisfied with all of the credit reporting agencies 

contacted.

39%

20%

29%

8%

49%

20%

31%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Very

satisfie d

Somewhat

satisfie d

Somewhat

dissatisfie d

Very

dissatisfie d

Satisfie d

with all

Satisfie d

with some

Dissatisfie d

with all

Contacted multiple

credit reporting agencies

Contacted one

credit reporting agency
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 56 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q35 – Time before contacting credit bureaus

• Of those ID Theft victims who contacted a credit bureau, 54% did so within one day of 

discovering the misuse of their personal information.

• A small percentage of those who contacted credit bureaus (7%) did so only one month or 

more after discovering that they had been victimized. (4% did not indicate how much time 

passed before contacting the credit bureaus.)

54%

25%

10%

7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

One day 2 - 6 days One week to less than a

month

One month or more
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 57 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q38 / Q39 – Fraud alert placed

• Of the 22% of ID Theft victims who contacted credit bureaus, 62% said that a fraud alert 

was placed on their credit report at one or more of the credit bureaus.

• 70% of those who suffered “New Accounts & Other Frauds” ID Theft and contacted a credit 

bureau had a fraud alert placed on their records. Of those who only suffered the misuse of 

an existing credit card account, only 46% had a fraud alert placed on their records.

• Victims were more likely to have a fraud alert placed when their personal information was 

misused multiple times. 71% of those who contacted a credit bureau and had experienced 

four or more distinct misuses of their personal information had a fraud alert placed on their 

records, while only 42% of those with only one to three distinct misuses had an alert placed.

• Over 40% of victims who contacted credit bureaus requested fraud alerts from more than 

one credit bureau.

62%

27%

11% 11% 11%

21%

8%

11%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Yes No Don't know One Two Thre e More than

thre e

Don't know

Fraud alert placed

Fraud alert placed

at how many credit bureaus
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 58 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q40 – Accounts opened after fraud alert

• Of the 22% of ID Theft victims who contacted credit bureaus, 62% said that a fraud alert 

was placed on their credit report at one or more of the credit bureaus. 

• Just 2% of respondents who requested a fraud alert said that accounts were opened in their 

name after the fraud alert was implemented. (Care should be exercised in interpreting this 

result. The number of survey participants who asked for a fraud alert was fairly small – 62 –

and only one of these 62 said that additional accounts were opened after a fraud alert was 

placed.)

2%

94%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Yes No
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 59 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q33a / Q41 – Contact with local law enforcement

• A total of 26% of all Identity Theft victims contacted a local law enforcement agency.

• 17% of victims who suffered only the misuse of existing credit cards contacted local law 

enforcement, while 43% of those whose information was used to open new accounts or 

commit other types of fraud did so.

• Victims in cases involving greater amounts were more likely to contact local law 

enforcement. A majority (54%) of victims where the value lost was $5,000 or more 

contacted the police, compared to 16% of victims in cases involving less than $1,000.

• Of the 26% of victims who contacted a local law enforcement agency, three quarters said 

that the local agency took the complaint and filed a report describing the Identity Theft. (A 

report was slightly more likely to be taken if the victim’s information was used to open new 

accounts or to commit other frauds than if only existing accounts – whether credit card or 

other accounts – were misused (82% v 73%).)

• Non-white victims were more likely than whites to contact the police (34% of non-white 

victims v 23% of white victims). 

26%

76%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Contacted police (% of all victims) Report taken (% of those contacting police)
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 60 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

• Police were more likely to take a report if the misuse was discovered more quickly. A report 

was taken in 83% of cases where the misuse was discovered within 5 months of the initial 

misuse of the victim’s information. Where it took 6 months or more to discover the misuse, 

reports were only taken in 47% of cases.
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 61 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q42 – Satisfaction with local law enforcement response

• Of the 26% of victims who contacted local law enforcement 53% said they were “very” or 

“somewhat” satisfied.

• However, a substantial percentage of the 26% of victims who contacted local law 

enforcement were “very” dissatisfied with the response of local law enforcement.

36%

17%

9%

28%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Very satisfie d Somewhat satisfie d Somewhat dissatisfie d Very dissatisfie d
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 62 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Q44 – Most important action that would have helped

• When asked what could have been done to help fix the problems victims experienced as a 

result of Identity Theft, the action most frequently cited by victims who spent at least 10 

hours of their time resolving problems was to improve the investigation by law enforcement 

after the crime had been committed. Specific proposals mentioned included a stronger 

commitment to catching the thief or thieves, better follow-up and communication with the 

victim, and increased assistance from local law enforcement. On a related note, victims 

also recommended stiffer penalties for offenders.

• Many victims thought better awareness on their own part of how to prevent and respond to 

identity theft would have been most helpful. Specific areas where greater awareness was 

cited included taking greater security precautions in handling their personal information, 

such as destroying materials that contain personal information instead of simply putting 

them in the trash, not placing personal information on the Internet, and securing their 

personal information in their homes and at work. Maintaining greater vigilance, such as 

monitoring their mail, billing cycles, and credit reports more carefully was also cited. Lastly, 

knowing who to contact, and notifying the affected companies and credit reporting agencies 

23%

17%

10%

26%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Bette r inv e stigation Prevention measures Financial syste m

assistance

Othe r
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 63 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

more quickly when they detected something wrong, was identified as an important factor in 

recovering from identity theft.

• Other victims mentioned things financial institutions could do to detect and prevent the 

crime. Respondents cited improved authentication measures, such as photographs on 

credit cards and more thorough identification procedures by employees during credit 

transactions. Respondents also mentioned financial institutions, including credit reporting 

agencies, making greater efforts to monitor their account activity and notify them when 

unusual transactions occurred.

• Many respondents thought that improved follow-up and assistance by the financial 

community as they attempted to repair their records would help. Specific proposals 

included making the recovery process easier by reducing the number of documents the 

victim had to sign, and listening to the victim and treating them with more understanding and 

less suspicion. 
Identity Theft Survey Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 64 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Appendix A: Questionnaire
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 65 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

INCIDENCE OF IDENTITY THEFT STUDY

TOTAL SAMPLE

Now I’d like to ask you some questions on the topic of Identity Theft.

1. Has anyone ever misused your credit card or credit card number to place charges on your account without your permission? 

(DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 3a)

Refused ...............................................R 

1a. How many of your existing credit card accounts were affected? (ENTER EXACT NUMBER FROM 1 TO 25. DO NOT 

ACCEPT RANGE. IF RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 1 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

2. Did the misuse of your credit cards involve the use of a credit card that you had lost or that had been stolen? (DO NOT READ 

ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 66 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

3. Did someone attempt to “TAKE OVER” the credit card account that had been misused by, for example, changing the billing 

address on the account or having themselves added as an authorized user of the account? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. 

ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

3a. Has anyone ever misused any of your existing accounts other than a credit card account – for example, a bank or wireless 

telephone account – without your permission to run up charges or to take money from your accounts? (DO NOT READ 

ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.) **Note: Not asked in Wave 1.

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

4. Have you ever been the victim of a different form of Identity Theft, one that involved more than just the misuse of existing 

accounts or numbers? That is, has anyone used your personal information without your permission, to obtain NEW credit 

cards or loans in your name, run up debts in your name, open other accounts, or otherwise commit theft, fraud, or some other 

crime? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 67 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 5 IF “YES” TO QU. 3a, AND/OR QU. 4; OTHERWISE, TERMINATE.

IF “YES” TO QU. 4, INSERT TEXT A FOR QU. 5.

IF “YES” TO QU. 3a AND “NO”, “DON’T KNOW”, OR “REFUSED” TO QU. 4, INSERT TEXT B FOR QU. 5.

5. I would like to get some more information about the misuse of (INSERT TEXT). Has your personal information 

been MISUSED within the last five years? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

(TEXTS:)

A. Your personal information

B. Your credit cards or other accounts. When we talk about the misuse of your personal information in the 

 following questions, please think about the misuse of your credit card or other accounts
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 68 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

6. Can you tell me how long ago it was that you DISCOVERED that your information had been misused? (READ LIST IF 

NECESSARY. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.) (INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF “DON’T KNOW” OR “REFUSED”; PROBE:) 

Please give me your best estimate.

Less than 6 months ago........................1

6 to 11 months ago ...............................2

1 year to less than 2 years ago.............3

2 years to less than 3 years ago ...........4

3 years to less than 4 years ago ...........5

4 years to less than 5 years ago ...........6

5 years to less than 6 years ago, or......7

6 or more years ago..............................8 

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 9)

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R 

7. From the time the misuse of your information first began, how long did it take you to discover it was being misused? (READ 

LIST IF NECESSARY. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

One day or less.......................................................... 1

More than a day but less than a week ....................... 2

At least a week, but less than one month .................. 3

1 to 2 months ............................................................. 4

3 to 5 months ............................................................. 5

6 to 11 months ........................................................... 6

1 year to less than 2 years......................................... 7

2 years to less than 3 years ....................................... 8

3 years to less than 4 years ....................................... 9

4 years to less than 5 years, or................................ 10

5 or more years........................................................ 11

(DO NOT  Don't know .................................................................X

READ) →  Refused .................................................................... R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 69 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

8. Did you know that someone had taken your personal information without your permission before the misuse 

began? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

9. Has the misuse of your personal information stopped, or is someone still misusing your personal information?

(DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Misuse has stopped..............................1

Still misusing information ......................2 

Don’t know........................................... X  → (SKIP TO LOGIC BEFORE QU. 13.)

Refused ...............................................R 
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 70 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

10. Over what period of time was your information misused? (READ LIST IF NECESSARY. ENTER SINGLE 

RESPONSE.)

One day or less............................................... 1

More than one day, but less than a week ....... 2

At least a week, but less than one month ....... 3

1 to 2 months .................................................. 4

3 to 5 months .................................................. 5

6 to 11 months ............................................... 6

1 year to less than 2 years.............................. 7

2 years to less than 3 years ............................ 8

3 years to less than 4 years ............................ 9

4 years to less than 5 years, or..................... 10

5 or more years............................................. 11

(DO NOT  Don't know ......................................................X

READ) →  Refused ..........................................................R

11. Is the misuse of your personal information still causing you problems? For example, are you still spending time clearing up 

credit accounts or your credit report? Or, have you managed to resolve all of the problems caused by the misuse of your 

information? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Still experiencing problems ...................1

All problems are resolved .....................2

Did not experience any problems .........3

Don’t know........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 71 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 12 IF “ALL PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED” (CODE 2) IN QU, 11; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO LOGIC 

BEFORE QU. 13.

12. Can you tell me how long it took you to resolve the problems after you discovered that your information was being misused? 

(READ LIST IF NECESSARY. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

One day or less............................................... 1

More than one day, but less than a week ....... 2

At least a week, but less than one month ....... 3

1 to 2 months .................................................. 4

3 to 5 months .................................................. 5

6 to 11 months ................................................ 6

1 year to less than 2 years.............................. 7

2 years to less than 3 years ............................ 8

3 years to less than 4 years ............................ 9

4 years to less than 5 years, or..................... 10

5 or more years............................................. 11

(DO NOT  Don't know ......................................................X

READ) →  Refused ..........................................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 72 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 13 IF “LESS THAN 6 YEARS” CODES 1-7 IN QU. 6; OTHERWISE, TERMINATE.

13. How did you first find out you were a victim of identity theft? (RECORD VERBATIM. PROBE FOR CLARIFICATION. IF 

RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

14. Do you know the identity of the person who misused your personal information without your permission? (DO NOT READ 

LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.) (INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF RESPONDENT HESTIATES, PROBE:) ”This means you 

can either personally know the victim or just know the identity of the person, such as their name, etc.”

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 16)

Refused ...............................................R 
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 73 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

15. Was the person who misused your personal information? (READ AND RANDOMIZE LIST UNTIL AN ANSWER IS GIVEN. 

ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

A Complete Stranger outside your workplace............ 1

A Family Member or Relative..................................... 2

Someone at your Workplace...................................... 3

A Friend, Neighbor or In Home Employee ................. 4

Someone at a Company or Financial Institution

 that has your personal information........................... 5

(ASK LAST) ? [Or, someone else (SPECIFY)_____________...... 6

(DO NOT  Don't know .................................................................X

READ) →  Refused .................................................................... R

IF “YES” TO QU. 2; AUTOPUNCH “YES” IN QU. 16 AND SKIP TO QU. 17; OTHERWISE, CONTINUE.

16. Do you know how the person obtained your personal information? 

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO LOGIC BEFORE QU. 18)

Refused ...............................................R 

17. How was your personal information obtained? (RECORD VERBATIM. PROBE FOR CLARIFICATION. IF RESPONDENT 

IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 74 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

QU. 18 & 18a NOT ASKED.

ASK QU. 19 IF “YES” TO QU. 3a; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO QU. 24.

19. You indicated that one or more of your existing accounts other than credit card accounts had been misused. Of those 

accounts you already had did the person run up charges on, or otherwise misuse, any of the following accounts.

Did the person misuse your ... (INSERT AND RANDOMIZE ACCOUNTS)? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER 

SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH ACCOUNT.)

Don't

Yes No Know Refused

Checking or Savings Accounts .............1 2 X R

Insurance Accounts, including

 Medical, Auto, and Life .......................1 2 X R

Internet or E-Mail Accounts...................1 2 X R

ASK QU. 19a FOR EACH “ACCOUNT” MENTIONED IN QU. 19; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO QU. 20.

19a. How many of your (INSERT AND RANDOMIZE ACCOUNTS) were affected? (ENTER EXACT NUMBER FROM 1 TO 25. 

DO NOT ACCEPT RANGE. IF RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 1 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

(ACCOUNTS:)

Checking or Savings Accounts

Insurance Accounts, including Medical, Auto, and Life

Internet or E-Mail Accounts
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 75 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

20. Did the person run up charges on, or otherwise misuse, your telephone service accounts? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. 

ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 22)

Refused ...............................................R 

20a. How many of those were Wireless Telephone Service Accounts? (ENTER EXACT NUMBER FROM 0 TO 25.

DO NOT ACCEPT A RANGE.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 0 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

20b. How many of those were conventional Telephone Service Accounts, whether local or long distance? (ENTER EXACT 

NUMBER FROM 0 TO 25. DO NOT ACCEPT A RANGE.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 0 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 76 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

QU. 21 NOT ASKED.

22. Did the person run up charges on, or otherwise misuse any other accounts that you had? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. 

ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 23)

Refused ...............................................R 

22a. What type of other charges did the person run up or otherwise misuse for any other accounts that you had? (RECORD 

VERBATIM. PROBE FOR CLARIFICATION. IF RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

22b. How many of these other accounts were affected? (ENTER EXACT NUMBER FROM 1 TO 25. DO NOT ACCEPT A 

RANGE.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 1 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 77 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

QU. 23 NOT ASKED.

24. Did the person use your information to obtain any (INSERT AND RANDOMIZE ACCOUNT)? (DO NOT READ ANSWER 

LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH ACCOUNT.)

Don't

Yes No Know Refused

New Credit Card Accounts, whether bank cards or

cards that were issued by a particular store............... 1 2 X R

New Checking or Savings Accounts ........................... 1 2 X R

New Loans.................................................................. 1 2 X R

New insurance policies ............................................... 1 2 X R

New Internet or Email Accounts.................................. 1 2 X R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 78 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 24b FOR EACH ACCOUNT MENTIONED IN QU. 24; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO QU. 25.

24b. How many (INSERT AND RANDOMIZE ACCOUNTS) were obtained using your information? (ENTER EXACT NUMBER 

FROM 1 TO 25. DO NOT ACCEPT A RANGE. IF RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 1 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

(ACCOUNTS:)

New Credit Card Accounts

New Checking or Savings Accounts

New Loans

New insurance policies

New Internet or Email Accounts

25. Did the person open any NEW telephone service accounts? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE 

RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 27)

Refused ...............................................R 
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 79 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

25a. How many of these were new wireless telephone accounts? (ENTER EXACT NUMBER FROM 0 TO 25. DO NOT ACCEPT 

RANGE. IF RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 0 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

25b. How many of these were conventional telephone accounts, whether local or long distance service? (ENTER EXACT 

NUMBER FROM 0 TO 25. DO NOT ACCEPT RANGE. IF RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 0 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

QU. 26 NOT ASKED.

27. Did the person open any other accounts? (DO NOT READ LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 80 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 27a IF “YES” IN QU. 27; OTHERWISE SKIP TO LOGIC BEFORE QU. 28.

27a. What type of other accounts did the person OPEN? (RECORD VERBATIM PROBE FOR CLARIFICATION.)

27b. How many other accounts did the person open? (ENTER EXACT NUMBER FROM 1 TO 25. DO NOT ACCEPT RANGE. IF 

RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)

#__________ (VALID RANGE 1 TO 25)

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 81 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 28 IF “YES” IN QU. 4 OR “YES” IN QU. 3a, OTHERWISE, SKIP TO QU. 29.

28. As far as you know, did the person use your information in any of the following ways?

Did the person... (INSERT AND RANDOMIZE)? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR 

EACH.)

Don’t

Yes No Know Refused

File a fraudulent tax return ............................... 1 2 X R

Obtain medical care.................................................... 1 2 X R

Obtain employment.......................................... 1 2 X R

Provide your name and identifying

 information to law enforcement when they

 were caught and charged with a crime ......... 1 2 X R

Rent an apartment or house ............................ 1 2 X R

(ALWAYS Obtain a drivers license, social security

ASK card or other government documents ........... 1 2 X R

LAST)→ [ Do anything else (SPECIFY)_____________.. 1 2 X R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 82 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

29. What is the approximate total dollar value of what the person obtained while misusing your information? In answering this 

question, include the value of credit, loans, cash, services, and anything else the person may have obtained. (READ LIST IF 

NECESSARY. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.) (INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF $1,000 OR OVER, PLEASE PROBE:) I just 

want to verify that the total amount is (INSERT AMOUNT)?

Less than $100 .....................................1

$100 - $499...........................................2

$500 - $999...........................................3

$1,000 - $4,999.....................................4

$5,000 - $9,999.....................................5

$10,000 - $24,999.................................6

$25,000 - $49,999.................................7

$50,000 - $99,999, or............................8

$100,000 or more..................................9

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 83 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

30. How much money did you pay out of pocket as a result of the identity theft? In thinking about this answer, include costs for 

things such as postage, copying, notarizing documents, and legal fees, as well as payment of any fraudulent debts in order to 

avoid further problems. (READ LIST IF NECESSARY. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.) (INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF $1,000 

OR OVER, PLEASE PROBE:) I just want to verify that the total amount is (INSERT AMOUNT)?

$0..........................................................1

Less than $50 .......................................2

$50 - $99...............................................3

$100 - $499...........................................4

$500 - $999...........................................5

$1,000 - $4,999.....................................6

$5,000 - $9,999.....................................7

$10,000 or more....................................8

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R

31. How many hours of your own time have you spent resolving credit, financial, and other problems caused by the 

theft of your information? (READ LIST IF NECESSARY. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

1 hour or less ........................................1

2 to 9 hours...........................................2

10 to 39 hours.......................................3

40 to 79 hours.......................................4

80 to 159 hours.....................................5

160 to 239 hours...................................6

240 hours or more.................................7

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 84 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

32. What other types of problems have you experienced as a result of the improper use of your personal information? 

Have you...(INSERT AND RANDOMIZE)? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH.)

Don't

Yes No Know Refused

Been turned down for a loan..................................................1 2 X R

Had banking problems, such as being turned down for a

 checking or savings account, or having checks

 rejected for insufficient funds or because your name

 appeared on a bad check list ..............................................1 2 X R

Had credit problems, such as being turned down for a

 credit card, having an account closed by the issuer,

 paying a higher interest rate, or having a credit card

 rejected when you sought to use it......................................1 2 X R

Had phone or utilities cut off or been denied new service......1 2 X R

Been turned down for insurance or had to

 pay higher rates ..................................................................1 2 X R

Been harassed by a debt collector or creditor........................1 2 X R

Had a civil suit filed against you or a

 judgment entered against you.............................................1 2 X R

(ALWAYS Been the subject of a criminal investigation,

ASK warrant, proceeding, or conviction ......................................1 2 X R

LAST) → [ Had any other types of problems (SPECIFY)_____________1 2 X R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 85 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

33. Did you contact anyone in attempting to report or resolve this incident? (DO NOT READ LIST. ENTER SINGLE 

RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 34)

Refused ...............................................R 

33a. Whom did you contact?

Did you... (INSERT AND RANDOMIZE)? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH.)

Don't

Yes No Know Refused

Consult a lawyer or other professional .............................1 2 X R

Notify one or more companies where an

 account was opened or misused,

 including a company that issued a credit card................1 2 X R

Notify one or more credit reporting agencies....................1 2 X R

Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles ..........................1 2 X R

(ALWAYS Notify the State Attorney General or a state

ASK IN or local consumer agency...............................................1 2 X R

THIS  Notify the FTC ..................................................................1 2 X R

ORDER) →  Notify another federal agency (SPECIFY)______ ............1 2 X R

(ALWAYS Notify your local police or the local law

ASK enforcement in another jurisdiction.................................1 2 X R

LAST) → [ Contact or notify someone else (SPECIFY)______..........1 2 X R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 86 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 34 IF “YES” TO QU. 1 OR “YES” TO “NEW CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT OPENED” IN QU. 24 AND THE 

SUM OF QU. 1a AND THE NUMBER GIVEN FOR “NEW CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT OPENED IN QU. 24b IS 

EQUAL TO 1; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO LOGIC BEFORE QU. 34a.

34. How satisfied were you with the response of the credit card company when you reported that your personal information had 

been misused? (READ LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Very satisfied ........................................4 

Somewhat satisfied...............................3 

Somewhat dissatisfied ..........................2  

Very dissatisfied....................................1  ? (SKIP TO QU. 35)

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X 

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R 

IF “YES” TO QU. 1 OR “YES” TO “NEW CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT OPENED” IN QU. 24 AND THE SUM OF 

QU. 1a AND NUMBER GIVEN FOR “NEW CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT OPENED” IN QU. 24b IS GREATER THAN 

ONE; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO LOGIC BEFORE QU. 35.

34a. Thinking about the result of your contact with the credit card companies, would you say you were..(READ LIST.)? 

(ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Satisfied with the responses of all of the companies

 when you reported that your personal information

 had been misused......................................................3

Satisfied with the responses of some of the

 companies, but not others, or ....................................2

Dissatisfied with the responses of all of the

 Companies.................................................................1

(DO NOT  Don't know .................................................................. X

READ) →  Refused ...................................................................... R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 87 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 35 IF “YES”, “NOTIFIED ONE OR MORE CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES” IN QU. 33a; 

OTHERWISE, SKIP TO LOGIC BEFORE QU. 41.

35. How long after you learned someone was using your personal information did you first contact any of the credit 

reporting agencies? (READ LIST IF NECESSARY.) (ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

One day or less............................................... 1

More than one day, but less than a week ....... 2

At least a week, but less than one month ....... 3

1 to 5 months .................................................. 4

6 to 11 months ............................................... 5

1 year to less than 2 years, or......................... 6

2 years or more............................................... 7

(DO NOT  Don't know ......................................................X

READ) →  Refused ..........................................................R

36. How many credit reporting agencies did you contact? (READ LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

One.......................................................1

Two .......................................................2 

Three, or ...............................................3  → (SKIP TO QU. 37a)

More than three.....................................4  

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X 

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R  → (SKIP TO QU. 38)
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 88 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

37. How satisfied were you with the responses of the credit reporting agency when you reported that your personal information 

had been misused? (READ LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Very satisfied ........................................4 

Somewhat satisfied...............................3 

Somewhat dissatisfied, or.....................2  →(SKIP TO QU. 38)

Very dissatisfied....................................1 

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X 

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R 

ASK QU. 37a IF CODES (2-4) TWO TO MORE THAN THREE IN QU. 36; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO QU. 38.

37a. Thinking about the result of your contact with the credit reporting agencies, would you say you were...(READ LIST. ENTER 

ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Satisfied with the responses of all of the agencies

 when you reported that your personal information

 had been misused......................................................3

Satisfied with the responses of some of the

 agencies, but not others, or .......................................2

Dissatisfied with the responses of all of

 the agencies ..............................................................1

(DO NOT  Don't know .................................................................. X

READ) →  Refused ...................................................................... R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 89 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

38. Was a fraud alert placed on your credit report? (DO NOT READ LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2 

Don't know ........................................... X  → (SKIP TO QU. 41)

Refused ...............................................R 

ASK QU. 39 IF QU. 36 IS “TWO, “THREE” OR “MORE THAN THREE” (CODES 2-4) AND

“YES” TO QU. 38.

IF QU. 36 IS “ONE” AND QU. 38 IS “YES”, AUTOPUNCH ONE IN QU. 39 AND CONTINUE TO QU. 40. 

ANSWER GIVEN IN QU. 39 MUST BE EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN ANSWER GIVEN IN Qu.36.

39. At how many of the credit reporting agencies you contacted was a fraud alert placed on your credit report? (DO NOT READ 

ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH.)

One.......................................................1

Two .......................................................2

Three ...................................................3

More than Three ...................................4

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R

40. Did the person who took your personal information successfully open any additional accounts after you placed the fraud alert 

on your credit report? (DO NOT READ ANSWER LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 90 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

ASK QU. 41 IF QU. 33a “CONTACTED THE LOCAL POLICE OR OTHER LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT 

AGENCY”; OTHERWISE, SKIP TO QU. 43.

41. Did your local law enforcement agency take a police report from you about your identity theft? (DO NOT READ ANSWER 

LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE FOR EACH.)

Yes........................................................1

No .........................................................2

Don't know ........................................... X

Refused ...............................................R

42. How satisfied were you with the response of your local law enforcement agency when you reported that your personal 

information had been misused? (READ LIST. ENTER SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Very satisfied ........................................4

Somewhat satisfied...............................3

Somewhat dissatisfied, or.....................2

Very dissatisfied....................................1

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 91 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

43. How concerned are you that the identity thief will start to misuse your information again? (READ LIST. ENTER 

SINGLE RESPONSE.)

Very concerned.....................................4

Somewhat concerned ...........................3

Not very concerned, or..........................2

Not at all concerned..............................1

(DO NOT  Don't know ........................................... X

READ) →  Refused ...............................................R

ASK QU. 44 IF QU. 31 IS 10 HOURS OR GREATER (CODES 3-7); OTHERWISE, TERMINATE.

44. What is the MOST IMPORTANT action or resource that would have helped you fix your problems more easily? (RECORD 

VERBATIM. PROBE FOR CLARIFICATION. IF RESPONDENT IS UNSURE, ENCOURAGE BEST GUESS.)
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 92 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

Appendix B: Methodology Description
Identity Theft Study Report

Federal Trade Commission Page 93 of 93 September 2003

Federal Trade Commission 

TeleNation Methodology

An Overview

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAMPLE

Each week TeleNation completes 3 national telephone surveys. Each survey (wave of TeleNation) consists of a minimum of 1,000

interviews with adults 18 years of age or older; 481 males and 519 females. TeleNation uses a single-stage, random digit-dial (RDD) 

sample technique to select each sample from all available residential telephone numbers in the contiguous United States. This

non-clustered approach insures true random selection among all telephone numbers and provides a truly independent sample for

each wave. Up to three attempts are made on the selected telephone numbers.

INTERVIEW

TeleNation interviews are conducted over a 3 day period via Synovate’s CATI network through its Telephone Research Services. 

TeleNation employs AUTOQUEST®, Synovate’s computer assisted telephone interviewing system, to conduct telephone interviews. 

This CATI software insures consistent execution of the questionnaire and efficient sample management. The interview, itself,

consists of non-competing client-specific questions and a shared set of standard demographic questions. TeleNation provides

transitional phrases between survey segments to insure smooth interview flow.

TABULATION

TeleNation survey results are tabulated by two standard demographic banners. 

A. GENDER, AGE, INCOME, MARITAL STATUS, CHILD IN HOUSEHOLD 

B. REGION, RACE, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT STATUS, PRIMARY GROCERY SHOPPER, HOME OWNERSHIP,

INTERNET ACCESS 

TeleNation's standard data tabulations are provided in a weighted format. The data are weighted on an individual multi-dimensional 

basis to give appropriate representation of the interaction between various demographic factors. The multi-dimensional array covers 

age within income, within the four national census regions, within gender, resulting in 160 different cells. The current population 

survey from the U.S. Census Bureau is used to determine the weighting targets for each of these 160 cells.