Federal Trade Commission

February 2013

for January - December 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Federal Trade Commission Page 1 of 102 Released February 2013

Report Subject Page No. 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Type Percentages by Calendar Year . . . . . . . . 4

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Count by Calendar Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints

Total Number of Fraud Complaints & Amount Paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Method of Consumer Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Company’s Method of Contacting Consumers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Fraud Complaints by Consumer Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Top Company Countries and Foreign Company’s Method of Contacting Consumers . . . . 11

Consumer Sentinel Network Identity Theft Complaints 

How Identity Theft Victims’ Information is Misused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Law Enforcement Contact by Identity Theft Victims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Identity Theft Complaints by Victims’ Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Consumer Sentinel Network State and Metropolitan Areas Ranking

State Complaint Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Largest Metropolitan Areas Ranking for Fraud & Other Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Largest Metropolitan Areas Ranking for Identity Theft Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Consumer Sentinel Network Military Complaints 

Military Complaints by Branch, Status and Pay Grade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Military Complaints by Top Complaint Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

How Military Identity Theft Victims’ Information is Misused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Consumer Sentinel Network Detailed State Complaint Information

One page per State and the District of Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

-Top Fraud & Other Complaint Categories || Identity Theft Types Reported by Victims

Appendices

Appendix A1: Description of the Consumer Sentinel Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Appendix A2: Major Data Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Appendix A3: Data Contributor Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Appendix A4: Better Business Bureau Data Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Appendix B1: Complaint Category Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Appendix B2: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Categories (2010 – 2012). . . . . . 79

Appendix B3: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Category Details . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Appendix C: Fraud Complaints & Amount Paid Reported by State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Appendix D1: Fraud & Other Complaints by Largest Metropolitan Areas . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Complaints by Largest Metropolitan Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
The Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) is a secure online database of

millions of consumer complaints available only to law enforcement. In

addition to storing complaints received by the FTC, the CSN also includes

complaints filed with state law enforcement organizations such as the North

Carolina and Oregon Departments of Justice, the Tennessee Division of

Consumer Affairs, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, and

the Offices of the Attorneys General for California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana,

Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio and Washington. Federal

agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Postal

Inspection Service and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center contribute

data as well. The Commission also receives complaints from the Canadian

Anti-Fraud Centre. Non-governmental organizations also provide complaint

data to the FTC. The Council of Better Business Bureaus, consisting of all

North American BBBs, is a major contributor of complaint data. Other

organizations include the following: Catalog Choice, the Center for

Democracy and Technology, Green Dot, the Identity Theft Assistance Center,

the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, MoneyGram

International, the National Fraud Information Center, PrivacyStar, and

Western Union.

Law enforcement partners --- whether they are down the street, across the

nation, or around the world --- can use information in the database to enhance

and coordinate investigations.

Begun in 1997 to collect fraud and identity theft complaints, the CSN now has

more than 8 million complaints, including those about credit reports, debt

collection, mortgages, and lending, among other subjects. The CSN has a

five-year data retention policy; complaints older than five years are purged

biannually. Between January and December 2012, the CSN received more

than 2 million consumer complaints, which the FTC has sorted into 30

complaint categories. Some organizations transfer their complaints to the CSN

after the end of the calendar year, and new data providers, added to the system

each year, are contributing complaints from prior years. As a result, the total

number of complaints for 2012 will increase during the next few months, and

totals from previous years may differ from prior CSN annual reports.

The 2012 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book is based on unverified

complaints reported by consumers. The data is not based on a consumer

survey.

For more information about the Consumer Sentinel Network, visit

www.FTC.gov/sentinel. Law enforcement personnel may join CSN at

Register.ConsumerSentinel.gov.

INTRODUCTION

U.S. Postal 

Inspection Service

Internet Crime 

Better Business Bureaus Complaint Center

Leading Data Contributors

www.FTC.gov/sentinel www.econsumer.gov www.FTC.gov/sentinel/military

For a detailed description of the CSN and a complete list of our data contributors, see Appendices A1 through A4.

www.FTC.gov/idtheft

Identity Theft 

Assistance Center

Canadian 

Anti-Fraud Centre

Publishers Clearing 

House

Consumer Financial 

Protection Bureau

Indiana 

Attorney General

North Carolina 

Department of Justice

Ohio 

Attorney General

Washington 

Attorney General

Michigan 

Attorney General

Oregon 

Department of Justice

Federal Trade Commission Page 2 of 102 Released February 2013

PrivacyStar
Federal Trade Commission Page 3 of 102 Released February 2013

Executive Summary 

Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book

January – December 2012

 The Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) contains over 8 million complaints dating from calendar year 2008 

through calendar year 2012. There are over 11 million do-not-call complaints from this same time period.

 The CSN received over 2 million complaints during calendar year 2012: 52% fraud complaints; 18% identity 

theft complaints; and 30% other types of complaints.

 Identity Theft was the number one complaint category in the CSN for calendar year 2012 with 18% of the 

overall complaints, followed by Debt Collection (10%); Banks and Lenders (6%); Shop-at-Home and Catalog 

Sales (6%); Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries (5%); Impostor Scams (4%); Internet Services (4%); Auto 

Related Complaints (4%); Telephone and Mobile Services (4%); and Credit Cards (3%). The complete 

ranking of all 30 complaint categories is listed on page six of this report. 

 For military consumers, Identity Theft was the number one complaint category in the CSN, followed by Debt 

Collection at number two. Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management ranked as the sixth highest 

category for military members, in contrast to fifteenth highest for the population as a whole. 

Fraud

 Over one million complaints were fraud-related. Consumers reported paying over $1.4 billion in those fraud 

complaints; the median amount paid was $535. Fifty-nine percent of the consumers who reported a fraudrelated complaint also reported an amount paid.

 Fifty-seven percent of all fraud-related complaints reported the method of initial contact. Of those complaints, 

38% said email, while another 34% said the telephone. Only 9% of those consumers reported mail as the 

initial point of contact. 

 Florida is the state with the highest per capita rate of reported fraud and other types of complaints, followed by 

Georgia and Maryland.

Identity Theft 

 Government documents/benefits fraud (46%) was the most common form of reported identity theft, followed 

by credit card fraud (13%), phone or utilities fraud (10%), and bank fraud (6%). Other significant categories 

of identity theft reported by victims were employment-related fraud (5%) and loan fraud (2%). 

 Complaints about government documents/benefits fraud increased 27 percentage points since calendar year 

2010; tax or wage-related fraud accounted for the growth in this area, with 43.4% of identity theft victims 

reporting this problem in 2012. Employment-related fraud complaints, in contrast, have declined 6 percentage 

points since calendar year 2010.

 Forty-two percent of identity theft complainants reported whether they contacted law enforcement. Of those 

victims, 68% notified a police department. Fifty-four percent of these indicated a report was taken. 

 Florida is the state with the highest per capita rate of reported identity theft complaints, followed by Georgia 

and California.
CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Complaint Type Percentages1

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of Consumer Sentinel Network complaints by calendar year. 

2,061,495

52%

30%

18%

1,895,012

55%

30%

15%

1,467,255

27%

56%

17%

Federal Trade Commission Page 4 of 102 Released February 2013

- Identity Theft Complaints

- Fraud Complaints

- Other Complaints 

Complaint Types
325,519

551,622

713,657

860,383 909,314 906,129

1,070,447

1,261,124

1,424,066

1,467,255

1,895,012

2,061,495

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Complaint Count1

Calendar Years 2001 through 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 5 of 102 Released February 2013

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Complaint Type Count1

Calendar Years 2001 through 2012

Purged Data1

1 Complaint counts from CY-2001 to CY-2007 represent historic figures as per the Consumer Sentinel Network’s five-year 

data retention policy. These complaint figures exclude National Do Not Call Registry complaints. 

Fraud Identity Theft Other 

2001 137,306 86,250 101,963 325,519

2002 242,783 161,977 146,862 551,622

2003 331,366 215,240 167,051 713,657

2004 410,298 246,909 203,176 860,383

2005 437,585 255,687 216,042 909,314

2006 423,672 246,214 236,243 906,129

2007 505,563 259,314 305,570 1,070,447

2008 620,832 314,587 325,705 1,261,124

2009 706,038 278,371 439,657 1,424,066

2010 818,239 251,089 397,927 1,467,255

2011 1,038,966 279,226 576,820 1,895,012

2012 1,074,937 369,132 617,426 2,061,495

Calendar Year

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Count

Total Complaints
1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints (2,061,495) received by the FTC between January 1 and 

December 31, 2012. Seven percent (140,895) of the total CSN complaints received by the FTC were coded Other (Note in 

Comments). For CSN category descriptions, details and three-year figures, see Appendices B1 through B3.

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Complaint Categories1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 6 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Category

No. of 

Complaints Percentages1 

1 Identity Theft 369,132 18%

2 Debt Collection 199,721 10%

3 Banks and Lenders 132,340 6%

4 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 115,184 6%

5 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 98,479 5%

6 Impostor Scams 82,896 4%

7 Internet Services 81,438 4%

8 Auto Related Complaints 78,062 4%

9 Telephone and Mobile Services 76,783 4%

10 Credit Cards 51,550 3%

11 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 46,112 2%

12 Advance Payments for Credit Services 42,974 2%

13 Television and Electronic Media 41,664 2%

14 Health Care 35,703 2%

15 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management 33,791 2%

16 Business and Job Opportunities 32,496 2%

17 Travel, Vacations and Timeshare Plans 30,324 1%

18 Internet Auction 29,553 1%

19 Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers and Report Users 29,268 1%

20 Office Supplies and Services 24,210 1%

21 Magazines and Books 18,906 1%

22 Home Repair, Improvement and Products 13,432 1%

23 Computer Equipment and Software 13,386 1%

24 Grants 10,257 <1%

25 Real Estate 8,468 <1%

26 Investment Related Complaints 7,117 <1%

27 Education 3,613 <1%

28 Charitable Solicitations 3,599 <1%

29 Clothing, Textiles and Jewelry 2,468 <1%

30 Buyers' Clubs 2,125 <1%
Total 

Reporting 

Amount Paid Reported Average1 Median2

2010 818,239 656,778 80% $1,729,567,228 $2,633 $581

2011 1,038,966 673,117 65% $1,544,849,568 $2,295 $550

2012 1,074,937 634,678 59% $1,491,656,241 $2,350 $535

CY

Complaint Count

Percentage Reporting

Amount Paid

Amount Paid

Amount Paid

$0 368,573 56% 340,439 51% 342,771 54%

$1 - 25 15,862 2% 16,616 2% 15,045 2%

$26 - 50 17,111 3% 19,838 3% 16,648 3%

$51 - 75 11,789 2% 13,357 2% 10,339 2%

$76 - 100 14,782 2% 17,442 3% 13,750 2%

$101 - 250 42,105 6% 50,631 8% 46,402 7%

$251 - 500 36,341 6% 45,390 7% 42,451 7%

$501 - 1,000 35,246 5% 43,946 7% 40,278 6%

$1,001 - 5,000 85,450 13% 95,231 14% 79,893 13%

More than $5,000 29,519 4% 30,227 4% 27,101 4%

Complaints Percentages3

CY - 2012

Percentages3 Complaints Percentages3

CY - 2010

Complaints

CY - 2011

1Average is based on the total number of consumers who reported an amount paid for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 656,778; 

CY-2011 = 673,117; and CY-2012 = 634,678. The amount paid is based on complaints with reported values from $0 to 

$999,999.

2Median is the middle number in a set of numbers so that half the numbers have values that are greater than the median and 

half have values that are less. Calculation of the median excludes complaints with amount paid reported as $0.

Note: See Appendix C for fraud complaints and amount paid figures by State and the District of Columbia.

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Total Number of Fraud Complaints & Amount Paid

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Distribution of Fraud Complaints by Amount Paid 

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

3Percentages are based on the total number of consumers who reported amount paid for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 656,778; 

CY-2011 = 673,117; and CY-2012 = 634,678. 

Federal Trade Commission Page 7 of 102 Released February 2013
1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud complaints for each calendar year where consumers reported the method of payment: 

CY-2010 = 110,450; CY-2011 = 245,950; and CY-2012 = 217,292. Of the total, 20% reported this information during CY-2012, 24% in CY2011 and 14% in CY-2010. 

2These figures include a significant number of complaints from data contributors MoneyGram International and Western Union Money Transfer, 

which may affect the distribution of the reported method of payment.

3The amount paid is based on complaints reporting values from $0 to $999,999.

Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints 

by Method of Consumer Payment1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints 

by Method of Consumer Payment 

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

14%

7% 8%

17%

6%

1%

47%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Bank

Account

Debit

Cash/Cash

Advance

Check Credit

Cards

Money

Order

Telephone

Bill

Wire

Transfer

Federal Trade Commission Page 8 of 102 Released February 2013

CY - 2010 CY - 2011 CY - 2012

Payment Method Complaints Percentages1 Amount Paid3 Complaints Percentages1 Amount Paid3 Complaints Percentages1 Amount Paid3

Bank Account Debit 16,042 15% $37,514,461 33,954 14% $89,449,151 31,000 14% $80,498,368 

Cash/Cash Advance 4,317 4% $24,254,971 17,739 7% $154,310,539 15,702 7% $123,637,822 

Check 9,634 9% $63,045,152 18,737 8% $93,307,882 16,794 8% $90,150,775 

Credit Cards 28,332 26% $65,411,856 42,231 17% $128,190,090 36,223 17% $94,876,853 

Money Order 2,878 3% $11,197,094 15,198 6% $54,499,305 13,277 6% $56,946,850 

Telephone Bill 4,744 4% $1,109,499 2,205 1% $472,378 1,513 1% $903,260 

Wire Transfer2 44,503 40% $145,127,814 115,886 47% $437,266,630 102,783 47% $450,607,224 

Total Reporting Payment 

Method 110,450 $347,660,847 245,950 $957,495,975 217,292 $897,621,152 

2
1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud complaints for each calendar year where consumers reported the 

company’s method of initial contact: CY-2010 = 469,981; CY-2011 = 607,218; and CY-2012 = 608,958. Of the total, 57% reported 

this information during CY-2012, 58% in CY-2011 and 57% for CY-2010.

Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints by 

Company’s Method of Contacting Consumers

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 9 of 102 Released February 2013

38%

9%

12%

34%

7%

E-mail

Mail

Internet - Web

Site/Others

Phone

Other

Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints 

by Company’s Method of Contacting Consumers1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Contact Method Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1 

E-mail 202,260 43% 256,392 42% 229,273 38%

Mail 50,074 11% 45,442 7% 52,485 9%

Internet - Web Site/Others 53,519 11% 79,356 13% 75,423 12%

Phone 94,587 20% 174,622 29% 207,664 34%

Other 69,541 15% 51,406 8% 44,113 7%

Total Reporting Contact 

Method 469,981 607,218 608,958

CY - 2010 CY - 2011 CY - 2012
Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1 

19 and Under 3,143 1% 11,513 2% 10,476 2%

20-29 80,832 17% 74,394 15% 66,042 15%

30-39 92,637 20% 83,356 17% 74,585 16%

40-49 109,569 23% 97,262 20% 84,513 19%

50-59 114,697 24% 109,468 23% 102,941 23%

60-69 31,560 7% 71,704 15% 75,653 17%

70 and Over 36,518 8% 36,278 7% 40,239 9%

Consumer Age 

CY - 2010 CY - 2011 CY - 2012

Total Reporting 

Age 468,956 483,975 454,449

2%

15%

16%

19%

23%

17%

9%

19 and Under

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70 and Over

1Percentages are based on the total number of consumers reporting their age for CSN fraud complaints each calendar year: 

CY-2010 = 468,956; CY-2011= 483,975; and CY-2012 = 454,449. Of the total, 42% of consumers reported this 

information during CY-2012, 47% in CY-2011, and 57% for CY-2010.

Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints

by Consumer Age1

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints 

by Consumer Age1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 10 of 102 Released February 2013
Rank Company Country Complaints Percentages1

1 United States 650,256 83%

2 Canada 44,411 6%

3 United Kingdom 14,950 2%

4 Nigeria 9,977 1%

5 India 8,415 1%

6 China 6,029 1%

7 Jamaica 5,951 1%

8 Spain 4,299 1%

9 Mexico 4,251 1%

10 Philippines 3,556 <1%

Consumer Sentinel Network

Top 10 Reported Company Countries 

for Fraud Complaints1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 11 of 102 Released February 2013

Company’s Method of Contacting Consumers for 

Fraud Complaints Against Foreign Companies2

January 1 – December 31, 2012

2 Percentages are based on the 64,786 fraud complaints against foreign companies received by the FTC between January 1 

and December 31, 2012, where consumers reported how companies initially contacted them. Complaints which reported a 

company country other than the United States were considered foreign for these figures. 

1Percentages are based on the number of fraud complaints received by the FTC between January 1 and December 31, 2012 

where consumers reported a company country name (782,460). Seventy-three percent of CSN fraud complaints received by 

the FTC during this time period reported the company country name. 

Note: Company country names appear as reported by consumers and may not reflect where the company is actually located. 

Contact Method Complaints Percentages2 

E-mail 31,500 49%

Internet - Web Site/Others 11,324 17%

Phone 10,031 15%

Mail 8,199 13%

Other 3,732 6%
Consumer Sentinel Network Identity Theft Complaints 

How Victims’ Information is Misused1

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN identity theft complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 251,089; 

CY-2011 = 279,226; and CY-2012 = 369,132. Note that 11% of identity theft complaints include more than one type of identity theft 

in CY-2012, 13% in CY-2011; and 17% in CY-2010.

Federal Trade Commission Page 12 of 102 Released February 2013

Government Documents or Benefits Fraud

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Tax or Wage Related Fraud 15.6% 24.3% 43.4%

Government Benefits 

 Applied For/Received 1.8% 1.5% 1.6%

Other Government Documents 

 Issued/Forged 0.9% 0.8% 0.8%

Driver's License Issued/Forged 0.9% 0.8% 0.6%

Total 19.2% 27.4% 46.4%

Credit Card Fraud

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

New Accounts 9.1% 8.5% 8.8%

Existing Account 6.7% 5.8% 4.6%

Total 15.8% 14.3% 13.4%

Phone or Utilities Fraud

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Utilities - New Accounts 9.4% 8.8% 6.2%

Wireless - New Accounts 3.7% 3.1% 2.5%

Telephone - New Accounts 1.5% 1.0% 0.6%

Unauthorized Charges 

 to Existing Accounts 0.5% 0.5% 0.4%

Total 15.1% 13.4% 9.7%

Bank Fraud

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Electronic Fund Transfer 4.8% 3.8% 3.0%

New Accounts 3.2% 2.6% 1.9%

Existing Accounts 2.8% 2.3% 1.5%

Total 10.8% 8.7% 6.4%

Employment-Related Fraud

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Employment-Related Fraud 11.2% 8.4% 5.4%

Loan Fraud

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Business / Personal / 

 Student Loan 1.7% 1.4% 1.3%

Auto Loan / Lease 1.0% 0.9% 0.6%

Real Estate Loan 1.0% 0.8% 0.5%

Total 3.7% 3.1% 2.4%

Other Identity Theft

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Miscellaneous 7.6% 8.5% 7.5%

Uncertain 8.6% 8.2% 6.1%

Internet / Email 1.9% 1.6% 1.2%

Data Breach - 1.7% 1.1%

Evading the Law 1.5% 1.2% 0.8%

Medical 1.3% 1.0% 0.7%

Apartment or House Rented 0.7% 0.7% 0.4%

Insurance 0.3% 0.3% 0.2%

Securities / Other Investments 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%

Property Rental Fraud 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%

Child Support 0.2% 0.1% 0.1%

Magazines 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%

Bankruptcy 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%

Total 22.5% 23.7% 18.5%

Attempted Identity Theft

Percentages Percentages Percentages

Theft Subtype CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Attempted Identity Theft 7.0% 6.8% 6.6%
54% of Victims 

Notified a 

Police Department 

and a Report 

Was Taken

6% of Victims 

Notified a 

Police Department 

and a Report 

Was NOT Taken

8% of Victims Notified a 

Police Department and 

Did Not Indicate if a 

Report Was Taken 

32% of Victims 

Did Not Notify a

Police Department

Consumer Sentinel Network Identity Theft Complaints 

Law Enforcement Contact1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of identity theft complaints where victims indicated whether they had 

notified a police department (147,542). Of identity theft victims who contacted the FTC directly, 42% reported law 

enforcement contact information. 

Law Enforcement Contact

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

2Percentages are based on the total number of identity theft complaints where victims indicated whether they had notified a police 

department: CY-2010 = 100,529; CY-2011 = 118,354; and CY-2012 = 147,542. Of identity theft victims who contacted the FTC 

directly, 42% reported law enforcement contact information in CY-2012, 45% in CY-2011 and 42% in CY-2010.

Federal Trade Commission Page 13 of 102 Released February 2013

If the victim notified a police department, 

was a report taken?

CY-2010 CY-2011 CY-2012

Complaints Percentages2 Complaints Percentages2 Complaints Percentages2

Yes 62,521 62% 67,350 57% 80,144 54%

No 6,512 7% 7,619 7% 8,122 6%

Not Reported 3,293 3% 7,597 6% 12,160 8%

Total Who Notified a Police Department 72,326 72% 82,566 70% 100,426 68%

Total Who Did Not Notify a Police Department 28,203 28% 35,788 30% 47,116 32%

Total Reporting 

Law Enforcement Contact Information 100,529 118,354 147,542
1Percentages are based on the total number of victims reporting their age in CSN identity theft complaints for each 

calendar year: CY-2010 = 236,442; CY-2011 = 248,327; and CY-2012 = 273,824. Of the consumers who contacted the 

FTC, 74% reported their age in CY-2012, 89% in CY-2011 and 94% in CY-2010.

Consumer Sentinel Network Identity Theft Complaints 

by Victims’ Age1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Consumer Sentinel Network Identity Theft Complaints

by Victims’ Age 

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 14 of 102 Released February 2013

6%

21%

19%

18%

17%

11%

8%

19 and Under

20 - 29

30 - 39

40 - 49

50 - 59

60 - 69

70 and Over

Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1 

19 and Under 18,334 8% 19,623 8% 16,133 6%

20-29 56,635 24% 56,721 23% 57,491 21%

30-39 49,375 21% 49,869 20% 52,704 19%

40-49 43,877 19% 45,132 18% 49,403 18%

50-59 35,314 15% 38,051 15% 45,483 17%

60-69 19,923 8% 23,112 9% 30,583 11%

70 and Over 12,984 5% 15,819 6% 22,027 8%

Consumer Age

CY - 2010 CY - 2011 CY - 2012

Total Reporting 

Age 236,442 248,327 273,824
Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys 

General for California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

1Per 100,000 unit of population estimates are based on the 2012 U.S. Census population estimates (Table NST-EST2012-01 -- Annual Estimates of the Population 

for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012 ). Numbers for the District of Columbia are: Fraud and Others = 4,756 

complaints and 752.1 complaints per 100,000 population; Identity Theft = 1,069 victims and 169.1 victims per 100,000 population. 

Consumer Sentinel Network State Complaint Rates

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Fraud & Other Complaints Identity Theft Complaints

Rank Consumer State

Complaints 

Per 100,000 

Population1

1 Florida 693.5 133,973

2 Georgia 590.2 58,543

3 Maryland 564.2 33,199

4 Delaware 563.2 5,165

5 Nevada 559.9 15,446

6 Colorado 545.2 28,285

7 Virginia 517.4 42,355

8 Arizona 510.2 33,434

9 Michigan 500.9 49,501

10 New Hampshire 499.7 6,600

11 California 492.3 187,270

12 Washington 488.9 33,720

13 New Jersey 480.2 42,565

14 Oregon 471.8 18,399

15 Texas 458.6 119,510

16 Massachusetts 443.4 29,469

17 Connecticut 443.0 15,906

18 Pennsylvania 441.9 56,397

19 Tennessee 435.1 28,091

20 Ohio 434.2 50,128

21 Rhode Island 433.1 4,549

22 Hawaii 429.0 5,973

23 Missouri 427.2 25,725

24 North Carolina 422.6 41,212

25 New York 420.5 82,289

26 South Carolina 420.2 19,850

27 Idaho 419.4 6,693

28 New Mexico 416.0 8,675

29 North Dakota 403.9 2,826

30 Alabama 403.8 19,470

31 Louisiana 399.9 18,402

32 Illinois 397.7 51,206

33 Alaska 393.5 2,878

34 Maine 393.0 5,224

35 Minnesota 391.3 21,051

36 Nebraska 380.9 7,067

37 Wisconsin 378.6 21,678

38 Indiana 374.6 24,489

39 Montana 371.0 3,729

40 Kansas 368.8 10,644

41 Wyoming 365.5 2,107

42 Vermont 363.1 2,273

43 Kentucky 360.0 15,770

44 Utah 347.0 9,907

45 Oklahoma 345.3 13,173

46 Arkansas 344.1 10,149

47 West Virginia 334.4 6,204

48 Mississippi 319.1 9,526

49 Iowa 296.3 9,110

50 South Dakota 291.2 2,427

Complaints Rank Victim State

Complaints 

Per 100,000 

Population1

1 Florida 361.3 69,795

2 Georgia 193.9 19,232

3 California 122.7 46,658

4 Michigan 122.2 12,075

5 New York 110.1 21,538

6 Nevada 109.9 3,032

7 Texas 108.6 28,299

8 Arizona 107.3 7,032

9 Maryland 105.0 6,178

10 Alabama 104.9 5,060

11 Illinois 100.9 12,993

12 Mississippi 100.2 2,990

13 Delaware 98.4 902

14 New Jersey 95.1 8,430

15 Colorado 93.8 4,864

16 Rhode Island 91.7 963

17 South Carolina 90.6 4,282

18 New Mexico 89.1 1,858

19 Pennsylvania 88.7 11,324

20 Tennessee 88.1 5,690

21 Louisiana 87.6 4,031

22 Connecticut 81.2 2,915

23 North Carolina 81.1 7,910

24 Virginia 80.8 6,616

25 Washington 77.9 5,373

26 Ohio 77.0 8,891

27 Missouri 74.8 4,505

28 Arkansas 74.4 2,195

29 Massachusetts 73.4 4,879

30 Kansas 72.0 2,077

31 Wisconsin 70.8 4,055

32 Oklahoma 67.8 2,586

33 Indiana 67.5 4,412

34 Minnesota 63.9 3,437

35 Oregon 63.3 2,467

36 New Hampshire 59.2 782

37 Nebraska 57.6 1,068

38 Idaho 56.7 905

39 Kentucky 56.2 2,463

40 Utah 55.5 1,586

41 Wyoming 55.2 318

42 West Virginia 54.0 1,002

43 Iowa 52.3 1,608

44 Vermont 52.1 326

45 Alaska 51.7 378

46 Maine 50.1 666

47 Montana 49.8 501

48 Hawaii 47.3 658

49 North Dakota 41.2 288

50 South Dakota 39.6 330

Complaints

Federal Trade Commission Page 15 of 102 Released February 2013
Consumer Sentinel Network 

Largest Metropolitan Areas Ranking for 

Fraud and Other – Related Consumer Complaints1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 16 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population

1 Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 5,163 799.7

2 Homosassa Springs, FL Micropolitan Statistical Area 919 650.7

3 Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,664 617.9

4 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 33,930 607.8

5 Charlottesville, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,134 562.6

6 Dover, DE Metropolitan Statistical Area 912 561.9

7 Santa Fe, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 808 560.4

8 Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,169 559.9

9 Prescott, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,181 559.6

10 Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,118 555.8

11 Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,479 555.8

12 Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Micropolitan Statistical Area 725 552.0

13 Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 977 540.3

14 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,926 538.5

15 Boulder, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,581 536.7

16 Baltimore-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 14,421 532.0

17 Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 13,391 526.5

18 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 14,630 525.6

19 Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 22,025 525.3

20 Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 11,156 522.7

21 North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,656 520.6

22 Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,328 518.5

23 Coeur d'Alene, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 717 517.7

24 Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 828 517.6

25 Fayetteville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,889 515.6

26 Richmond, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,470 514.2

27 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 11,276 506.6

28 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 17,417 506.3

29 Las Vegas-Paradise, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,854 505.0

30 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,647 503.8

31 Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,351 498.9

32 Roanoke, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,540 498.9

33 Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 998 498.5

34 Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,246 496.2

35 Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,223 491.9

36 Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,255 489.8

37 Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,235 489.6

38 Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,413 487.9

39 San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 15,055 486.4

40 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 25,594 485.8

41 Manchester-Nashua, NH Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,932 482.1

42 Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,825 480.5

43 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,433 478.3

44 Kingston, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 871 477.3

45 Concord, NH Micropolitan Statistical Area 698 476.6

46 Bend, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 751 476.1

47 Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 803 475.6

48 Lexington Park, MD Micropolitan Statistical Area 499 474.6

49 Reno-Sparks, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,008 472.0

50 Winchester, VA-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 602 468.6

1Ranking is based on the number of fraud and other types of complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. This chart illustrates the top 50 

Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. See fraud and other types of complaints figures 

for all Metropolitan Areas with a population of 100,000 or more in Appendix D1. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of 

Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1. 

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys 

General for California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).
Consumer Sentinel Network

Largest Metropolitan Areas Ranking for 

Identity Theft – Related Consumer Complaints1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 17 of 102 Released February 2013

1Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. This chart illustrates the top 50 

Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. See identity theft figures for all Metropolitan 

Areas with a population of 100,000 or more in Appendix D2. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget 

as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Rank Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population

1 Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 35,914 645.4

2 Naples-Marco Island, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,279 397.8

3 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,805 352.3

4 Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,810 292.5

5 Tallahassee, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,060 288.5

6 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,692 281.0

7 Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,156 272.6

8 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 12,992 246.6

9 North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,720 244.9

10 Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,991 233.8

11 Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 353 220.7

12 Valdosta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 305 218.5

13 Ocala, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 707 213.4

14 Albany, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 329 209.1

15 Columbus, GA-AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 607 205.9

16 Montgomery, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 763 203.7

17 Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,562 190.4

18 Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,085 188.2

19 Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 255 184.7

20 Savannah, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 637 183.3

21 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 992 182.6

22 Gainesville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 482 182.4

23 Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 880 177.9

24 Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 684 176.0

25 Macon, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 396 170.5

26 Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,199 167.1

27 Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 294 162.6

28 Homosassa Springs, FL Micropolitan Statistical Area 228 161.4

29 Jackson, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 811 150.4

30 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 18,254 142.3

31 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,056 142.1

32 Fresno, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,307 140.5

33 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,032 139.1

34 Vallejo-Fairfield, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 574 138.9

35 Bakersfield-Delano, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,142 136.0

36 Stockton, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 929 135.6

37 Wausau, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 180 134.3

38 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 5,649 133.7

39 Warner Robins, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 187 133.7

40 Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 222 131.5

41 Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,550 127.0

42 Auburn-Opelika, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 174 124.1

43 New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 23,297 123.3

44 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 678 121.8

45 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,216 121.0

46 Baton Rouge, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 966 120.4

47 Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 487 120.2

48 Las Vegas-Paradise, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,302 118.0

49 Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 11,128 117.6

50 Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,931 117.6
Consumer Sentinel Network Military Complaints 

by Consumer Military Branch 

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Military Complaints 

by Consumer Military Pay Grade

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints 

from military consumers reporting their branch of service 

(62,211) between January 1 and December 31, 2012. Of the 

67,018 military consumers, 93% reported this information 

during CY-2012. 

3Percentages are based on the total number of 

CSN complaints from military consumers 

reporting their pay grade (23,138) between 

January 1 and December 31, 2012. Of the 

67,018 military consumers, 35% reported this 

information during CY-2012. 

Federal Trade Commission Page 18 of 102 Released February 2013

Consumer Sentinel Network 

Military Complaints 

by Consumer Military Status

January 1 – December 31, 2012

2Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints 

from military consumers reporting their military status (61,642) 

between January 1 and December 31, 2012. Of the 67,018 military 

consumers, 92% reported this information during CY-2012.

Military Branch Complaints Percentages1

U.S. Army 30,191 49%

U.S. Navy 13,067 21%

U.S. Air Force 11,760 19%

U.S. Marines 5,983 10%

U.S. Coast Guard 1,210 2%

Total 62,211 

Military Status Complaints Percentages2

Active Duty Service Member 5,622 9%

Dependent Child/Other - DoD Civilian 535 1%

Dependent Child/Other - Service Member 1,591 3%

Dependent Spouse - DoD Civilian 957 2%

Dependent Spouse - Service Member 5,857 10%

DoD Civilian 566 1%

Inactive Reserve/National Guard 3,575 6%

Military Retiree/Veteran 42,939 70%

Total 61,642 

Military Pay Grade Complaints Percentages3

DoD Civilian 1,158 5%

E1-E3 4,626 20%

E4 4,590 20%

E5-E6 6,711 29%

E7-E9 2,627 11%

O1-O3 1,322 6%

O4-O6 1,647 7%

O7 and Above 141 1%

W1-W5 316 1%

Total 23,138 
Consumer Sentinel Network Military

Complaints by Top Category

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN Military complaints (67,018) received between January 1 and December 

31, 2012. Seventeen percent of these complaints were coded in the Other category.

Top Categories for Complaints from 

Enlisted Military Consumers 

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Top Categories for Complaints from 

Officer Military Consumers 

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 19 of 102 Released February 2013

2Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints (18,554) 

from military consumers reporting an enlisted rank received between 

January 1 and December 31, 2012. Ten percent of these complaints 

were coded in the Other category. 

3Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints (3,426)

from military consumers reporting an officer rank received between 

January 1 and December 31, 2012. Fourteen percent of these 

complaints were coded in the Other category. 

Rank Category Description Complaint Count Percentages1

1 Identity Theft 24,790 37%

2 Debt Collection 7,096 11%

3 Impostor Scams 4,477 7%

4 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 3,269 5%

5 Banks and Lenders 3,124 5%

6 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management 2,172 3%

7 Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers and Report Users 1,611 2%

8 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 1,474 2%

9 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,396 2%

10 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,181 2%

11 Internet Services 1,056 2%

12 Credit Cards 1,006 2%

13 Auto Related Complaints 998 1%

14 Grants 573 1%

15 Home Repair, Improvement and Products 571 1%

16 Business and Job Opportunities 536 1%

17 Health Care 520 1%

18 Computer Equipment and Software 485 1%

19 Travel, Vacations and Timeshare Plans 402 1%

20 Television and Electronic Media 379 1%

Rank Category Description

Complaint 

Count Percentages2

1 Identity Theft 7,607 41%

2 Debt Collection 2,277 12%

3 Banks and Lenders 1,429 8%

4 Impostor Scams 782 4%

5 Credit Bureaus, Information 

Furnishers and Report Users

 3% 584

6 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 541 3%

7 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and 

Debt Management

 3% 498

8 Credit Cards 456 2%

9 Telephone and Mobile Services 355 2%

10 Auto Related Complaints 349 2%

Rank Category Description

Complaint 

Count Percentages3

1 Identity Theft 1,133 33%

2 Debt Collection 386 11%

3 Banks and Lenders 312 9%

4 Impostor Scams 136 4%

5 Credit Cards 114 3%

6 Credit Bureaus, Information 

Furnishers and Report Users

 3% 103

7 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and 

Debt Management

 3% 94

8 Internet Services 93 3%

9 Telephone and Mobile Services 90 3%

10 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 80 2%
Consumer Sentinel Network - Military

Identity Theft Complaints 

How Victims’ Information is Misused

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) Military identity theft complaints (24,790) received 

between January 1 and December 31, 2012. Note that 10% of CSN Military identity theft complaints included more than one type of

identity theft. 

Federal Trade Commission Page 20 of 102 Released February 2013

Identity Theft Types / Theft Subtypes Complaints Percentages1

Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 52.8%

Tax or Wage Related Fraud 12,137 49.0%

Government Benefits Applied For / Received 632 2.5%

Other Government Documents Issued / Forged 228 0.9%

Driver's License Issued or Forged 108 0.4%

Credit Card Fraud 14.3%

New Accounts 2,290 9.2%

Existing Account 1,258 5.1%

Phone or Utilities Fraud 9.7%

Utilities - New Accounts 1,560 6.3%

Wireless - New Accounts 615 2.5%

Telephone - New Accounts 150 0.6%

Unauthorized Charges to Existing Accounts 75 0.3%

Bank Fraud 7.6%

Electronic Fund Transfer 1,025 4.1%

New Accounts 479 1.9%

Existing Accounts 401 1.6%

Employment 3.4%

Employment-Related Fraud 855 3.4%

Loan Fraud 2.6%

Business / Personal / Student Loan 365 1.5%

Auto Loan / Lease 158 0.6%

Real Estate Loan 130 0.5%

Other Identity Theft 12.8%

Uncertain 1,191 4.8%

Miscellaneous 610 2.5%

Data Breach 354 1.4%

Internet or E-Mail 335 1.4%

Evading the Law 203 0.8%

Medical 199 0.8%

Apartment or House Rented 91 0.4%

Insurance 44 0.2%

Securities / Other Investments 38 0.2%

Property Rental Fraud 26 0.1%

Child Support 23 0.1%

Magazines 20 0.1%

Bankruptcy 12 <0.1%

Attempted Identity Theft 6.8%

Attempted Identity Theft 1,677 6.8%
Top Fraud & Other Complaint Categories 

Consumer Sentinel Network

Detailed State Complaint Information 

(one page per State and the District of Columbia)

Fraud & Other Complaints

Identity Theft Types Reported by Victims

Identity Theft Complaints

Federal Trade Commission Page 21 of 102 Released February 2013
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Alabama Consumers = 19,470

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Alabama consumers (19,470).

ALABAMA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 24,530

Identity Theft Types Reported by Alabama Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Alabama Victims = 5,060

1Percentages are based on the 5,060 victims reporting from Alabama. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Alabama Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 22 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,648 52%

2 Credit Card Fraud 499 10%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 433 9%

4 Bank Fraud 286 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 173 3%

6 Loan Fraud 139 3%

Other 887 18%

Attempted Identity Theft 288 6%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,512 13%

2 Banks and Lenders 1,372 7%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,354 7%

4 Impostor Scams 1,265 6%

5 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,112 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 919 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 868 4%

8 Internet Services 804 4%

9 Credit Cards 768 4%

10 Advance Payments for Credit Services 744 4%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Alaska Consumers = 2,878

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Alaska consumers (2,878).

ALASKA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 3,256

Identity Theft Types Reported by Alaska Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Alaska Victims = 378

1Percentages are based on the 378 victims reporting from Alaska. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Alaska Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 23 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 270 9%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 257 9%

3 Impostor Scams 234 8%

4 Internet Services 185 6%

5 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 149 5%

6 Auto Related Complaints 140 5%

7 Banks and Lenders 133 5%

8 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 128 4%

9 Credit Cards 122 4%

10 Health Care 96 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 168 44%

2 Credit Card Fraud 47 12%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 29 8%

4 Bank Fraud 21 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 13 3%

6 Loan Fraud 8 2%

Other 83 22%

Attempted Identity Theft 27 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Arizona Consumers = 33,434

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Arizona consumers (33,434).

ARIZONA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 40,466

Identity Theft Types Reported by Arizona Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Arizona Victims = 7,032

1Percentages are based on the 7,032 victims reporting from Arizona. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Arizona Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 24 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 3,757 11%

2 Banks and Lenders 2,847 9%

3 Impostor Scams 2,201 7%

4 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,130 6%

5 Auto Related Complaints 1,971 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,861 6%

7 Internet Services 1,838 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,483 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 1,209 4%

10 Credit Cards 1,078 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,040 29%

2 Employment-Related Fraud 1,305 19%

3 Credit Card Fraud 888 13%

4 Phone or Utilities Fraud 671 10%

5 Bank Fraud 511 7%

6 Loan Fraud 188 3%

Other 1,546 22%

Attempted Identity Theft 464 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Arkansas Consumers = 10,149

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Arkansas consumers (10,149).

ARKANSAS 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 12,344

Identity Theft Types Reported by Arkansas Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Arkansas Victims = 2,195

1Percentages are based on the 2,195 victims reporting from Arkansas. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Arkansas Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 25 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 840 38%

2 Credit Card Fraud 295 13%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 282 13%

4 Bank Fraud 156 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 131 6%

6 Loan Fraud 68 3%

Other 436 20%

Attempted Identity Theft 137 6%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,091 11%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 740 7%

3 Impostor Scams 684 7%

4 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 630 6%

5 Banks and Lenders 592 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 525 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 510 5%

8 Internet Services 473 5%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 390 4%

10 Advance Payments for Credit Services 343 3%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from California Consumers = 187,270

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from California consumers (187,270).

CALIFORNIA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 233,928

Identity Theft Types Reported by California Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from California Victims = 46,658

1Percentages are based on the 46,658 victims reporting from California. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by California Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 26 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 24,724 13%

2 Banks and Lenders 17,243 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 11,430 6%

4 Internet Services 10,026 5%

5 Impostor Scams 8,510 5%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 7,385 4%

7 Auto Related Complaints 6,867 4%

8 Credit Cards 5,753 3%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 5,347 3%

10 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 4,942 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 15,250 33%

2 Credit Card Fraud 8,711 19%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 4,524 10%

4 Employment-Related Fraud 3,851 8%

5 Bank Fraud 3,782 8%

6 Loan Fraud 1,254 3%

Other 10,030 21%

Attempted Identity Theft 3,620 8%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the California Office of Attorney General.
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Colorado Consumers = 28,285

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Colorado consumers (28,285).

COLORADO 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 33,149

Identity Theft Types Reported by Colorado Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Colorado Victims = 4,864

1Percentages are based on the 4,864 victims reporting from Colorado. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Colorado Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 27 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,550 32%

2 Credit Card Fraud 624 13%

3 Employment-Related Fraud 564 12%

4 Phone or Utilities Fraud 450 9%

5 Bank Fraud 366 8%

6 Loan Fraud 104 2%

Other 1,158 24%

Attempted Identity Theft 428 9%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,662 9%

2 Banks and Lenders 2,261 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,142 8%

4 Internet Services 1,704 6%

5 Impostor Scams 1,645 6%

6 Auto Related Complaints 1,541 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,344 5%

8 Advance Payments for Credit Services 1,312 5%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 1,043 4%

10 Credit Cards 958 3%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Colorado Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Connecticut Consumers = 15,906

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Connecticut consumers (15,906).

CONNECTICUT 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 18,821

Identity Theft Types Reported by Connecticut Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Connecticut Victims = 2,915

1Percentages are based on the 2,915 victims reporting from Connecticut. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Connecticut Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 28 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,508 9%

2 Banks and Lenders 1,446 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,189 7%

4 Auto Related Complaints 1,091 7%

5 Impostor Scams 872 5%

6 Internet Services 820 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 680 4%

8 Credit Cards 570 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 526 3%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 489 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,050 36%

2 Credit Card Fraud 470 16%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 315 11%

4 Bank Fraud 229 8%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 132 5%

6 Loan Fraud 72 2%

Other 634 22%

Attempted Identity Theft 244 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Delaware Consumers = 5,165

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Delaware consumers (5,165).

DELAWARE 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 6,067

Identity Theft Types Reported by Delaware Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Delaware Victims = 902

1Percentages are based on the 902 victims reporting from Delaware. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Delaware Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 29 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 769 15%

2 Banks and Lenders 556 11%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 299 6%

4 Impostor Scams 281 5%

5 Auto Related Complaints 275 5%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 214 4%

7 Internet Services 206 4%

8 Credit Cards 202 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 170 3%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 159 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 280 31%

2 Phone or Utilities Fraud 183 20%

3 Credit Card Fraud 124 14%

4 Bank Fraud 73 8%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 34 4%

6 Loan Fraud 30 3%

Other 172 19%

Attempted Identity Theft 74 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from District of Columbia Consumers = 4,756

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from District of Columbia consumers (4,756).

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 5,825

Identity Theft Types Reported by District of Columbia Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from District of Columbia Victims = 1,069

1Percentages are based on the 1,069 victims reporting from District of Columbia. Note that CSN identity 

theft complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by District of Columbia Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 30 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 580 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 448 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 331 7%

4 Internet Services 282 6%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 245 5%

6 Auto Related Complaints 238 5%

7 Credit Cards 211 4%

8 Impostor Scams 181 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 177 4%

10 Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers and Report 

Users

127 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 420 39%

2 Credit Card Fraud 161 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 116 11%

4 Bank Fraud 86 8%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 49 5%

6 Loan Fraud 42 4%

Other 215 20%

Attempted Identity Theft 85 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Florida Consumers = 133,973

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Florida consumers (133,973).

FLORIDA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 203,768

Identity Theft Types Reported by Florida Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Florida Victims = 69,795

1Percentages are based on the 69,795 victims reporting from Florida. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Florida Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 31 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 21,377 16%

2 Banks and Lenders 10,187 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 6,195 5%

4 Impostor Scams 5,702 4%

5 Internet Services 5,360 4%

6 Auto Related Complaints 5,227 4%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 4,590 3%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 3,940 3%

9 Credit Cards 3,838 3%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 3,402 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 50,561 72%

2 Credit Card Fraud 5,081 7%

3 Bank Fraud 2,675 4%

4 Phone or Utilities Fraud 2,381 3%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 1,091 2%

6 Loan Fraud 710 1%

Other 7,526 11%

Attempted Identity Theft 3,244 5%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Georgia Consumers = 58,543

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Georgia consumers (58,543).

GEORGIA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 77,775

Identity Theft Types Reported by Georgia Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Georgia Victims = 19,232

1Percentages are based on the 19,232 victims reporting from Georgia. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Georgia Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 32 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 8,699 15%

2 Banks and Lenders 5,791 10%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,936 5%

4 Auto Related Complaints 2,910 5%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 2,243 4%

6 Impostor Scams 2,030 3%

7 Internet Services 1,969 3%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,567 3%

9 Television and Electronic Media 1,487 3%

10 Credit Cards 1,455 2%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 12,725 66%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,449 8%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 1,256 7%

4 Bank Fraud 802 4%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 461 2%

6 Loan Fraud 357 2%

Other 2,523 13%

Attempted Identity Theft 757 4%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Hawaii Consumers = 5,973

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Hawaii consumers (5,973).

HAWAII 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 6,631

Identity Theft Types Reported by Hawaii Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Hawaii Victims = 658

1Percentages are based on the 658 victims reporting from Hawaii. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Hawaii Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 33 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 577 10%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 529 9%

3 Debt Collection 508 9%

4 Internet Services 421 7%

5 Banks and Lenders 416 7%

6 Impostor Scams 379 6%

7 Auto Related Complaints 264 4%

8 Telephone and Mobile Services 246 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 189 3%

10 Credit Cards 177 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 155 24%

2 Credit Card Fraud 130 20%

3 Bank Fraud 58 9%

4 Phone or Utilities Fraud 44 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 17 3%

6 Loan Fraud 17 3%

Other 191 29%

Attempted Identity Theft 85 13%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Idaho Consumers = 6,693

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Idaho consumers (6,693).

IDAHO 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 7,598

Identity Theft Types Reported by Idaho Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Idaho Victims = 905

1Percentages are based on the 905 victims reporting from Idaho. Note that CSN identity theft complaints 

may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Idaho Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 34 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 854 13%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 519 8%

3 Banks and Lenders 484 7%

4 Impostor Scams 442 7%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 365 5%

6 Internet Services 357 5%

7 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 310 5%

8 Auto Related Complaints 275 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 263 4%

10 Credit Cards 217 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 263 29%

2 Credit Card Fraud 147 16%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 96 11%

4 Bank Fraud 64 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 62 7%

6 Loan Fraud 19 2%

Other 232 26%

Attempted Identity Theft 79 9%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Idaho Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Illinois Consumers = 51,206

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Illinois consumers (51,206).

ILLINOIS 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 64,199

Identity Theft Types Reported by Illinois Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Illinois Victims = 12,993

1Percentages are based on the 12,993 victims reporting from Illinois. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Illinois Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 35 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 5,321 10%

2 Banks and Lenders 5,011 10%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 3,796 7%

4 Telephone and Mobile Services 3,669 7%

5 Internet Services 2,671 5%

6 Auto Related Complaints 2,533 5%

7 Impostor Scams 2,356 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 2,092 4%

9 Credit Cards 1,826 4%

10 Television and Electronic Media 1,647 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 5,266 41%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,960 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 1,578 12%

4 Bank Fraud 951 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 712 5%

6 Loan Fraud 375 3%

Other 2,276 18%

Attempted Identity Theft 965 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Indiana Consumers = 24,489

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Indiana consumers (24,489).

INDIANA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 28,901

Identity Theft Types Reported by Indiana Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Indiana Victims = 4,412

1Percentages are based on the 4,412 victims reporting from Indiana. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Indiana Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 36 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,670 11%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,044 8%

3 Impostor Scams 1,733 7%

4 Banks and Lenders 1,684 7%

5 Auto Related Complaints 1,335 5%

6 Internet Services 1,310 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,280 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,271 5%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 910 4%

10 Television and Electronic Media 810 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,660 38%

2 Credit Card Fraud 646 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 557 13%

4 Bank Fraud 343 8%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 194 4%

6 Loan Fraud 123 3%

Other 955 22%

Attempted Identity Theft 332 8%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Indiana Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Iowa Consumers = 9,110

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Iowa consumers (9,110).

IOWA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 10,718

Identity Theft Types Reported by Iowa Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Iowa Victims = 1,608

1Percentages are based on the 1,608 victims reporting from Iowa. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Iowa Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 37 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,084 12%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 831 9%

3 Impostor Scams 565 6%

4 Banks and Lenders 550 6%

5 Internet Services 448 5%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 423 5%

7 Television and Electronic Media 395 4%

8 Auto Related Complaints 390 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 369 4%

10 Credit Cards 286 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 582 36%

2 Credit Card Fraud 207 13%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 176 11%

4 Bank Fraud 96 6%

5 Loan Fraud 94 6%

6 Employment-Related Fraud 64 4%

Other 363 23%

Attempted Identity Theft 129 8%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Iowa Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Kansas Consumers = 10,644

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Kansas consumers (10,644).

KANSAS 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 12,721

Identity Theft Types Reported by Kansas Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Kansas Victims = 2,077

1Percentages are based on the 2,077 victims reporting from Kansas. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Kansas Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 38 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,235 12%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 847 8%

3 Impostor Scams 684 6%

4 Banks and Lenders 668 6%

5 Internet Services 632 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 593 6%

7 Auto Related Complaints 581 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 472 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 398 4%

10 Credit Cards 311 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 701 34%

2 Credit Card Fraud 314 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 207 10%

4 Bank Fraud 177 9%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 114 5%

6 Loan Fraud 60 3%

Other 486 23%

Attempted Identity Theft 176 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Kentucky Consumers = 15,770

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Kentucky consumers (15,770).

KENTUCKY 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 18,233

Identity Theft Types Reported by Kentucky Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Kentucky Victims = 2,463

1Percentages are based on the 2,463 victims reporting from Kentucky. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Kentucky Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 39 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,889 12%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,146 7%

3 Banks and Lenders 1,145 7%

4 Impostor Scams 1,013 6%

5 Auto Related Complaints 988 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 948 6%

7 Internet Services 786 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 727 5%

9 Television and Electronic Media 544 3%

10 Credit Cards 475 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,051 43%

2 Credit Card Fraud 345 14%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 264 11%

4 Bank Fraud 158 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 80 3%

6 Loan Fraud 65 3%

Other 459 19%

Attempted Identity Theft 184 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Louisiana Consumers = 18,402

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Louisiana consumers (18,402).

LOUISIANA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 22,433

Identity Theft Types Reported by Louisiana Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Louisiana Victims = 4,031

1Percentages are based on the 4,031 victims reporting from Louisiana. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Louisiana Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 40 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,149 53%

2 Credit Card Fraud 430 11%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 328 8%

4 Bank Fraud 237 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 140 3%

6 Loan Fraud 113 3%

Other 639 16%

Attempted Identity Theft 237 6%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,437 13%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,360 7%

3 Banks and Lenders 1,224 7%

4 Impostor Scams 1,020 6%

5 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 994 5%

6 Auto Related Complaints 868 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 743 4%

8 Internet Services 699 4%

9 Advance Payments for Credit Services 574 3%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 562 3%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Maine Consumers = 5,224

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Maine consumers (5,224).

MAINE 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 5,890

Identity Theft Types Reported by Maine Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Maine Victims = 666

1Percentages are based on the 666 victims reporting from Maine. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Maine Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 41 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 512 10%

2 Banks and Lenders 446 9%

3 Impostor Scams 407 8%

4 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 357 7%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 313 6%

6 Internet Services 312 6%

7 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 237 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 237 5%

9 Credit Cards 213 4%

10 Auto Related Complaints 194 4%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 244 37%

2 Credit Card Fraud 120 18%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 73 11%

4 Bank Fraud 44 7%

5 Loan Fraud 21 3%

6 Employment-Related Fraud 16 2%

Other 141 21%

Attempted Identity Theft 56 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Maryland Consumers = 33,199

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Maryland consumers (33,199).

MARYLAND 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 39,377

Identity Theft Types Reported by Maryland Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Maryland Victims = 6,178

1Percentages are based on the 6,178 victims reporting from Maryland. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Maryland Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 42 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Banks and Lenders 3,854 12%

2 Debt Collection 3,780 11%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,138 6%

4 Auto Related Complaints 1,903 6%

5 Credit Cards 1,832 6%

6 Internet Services 1,672 5%

7 Impostor Scams 1,611 5%

8 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,567 5%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,034 3%

10 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management 950 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,146 35%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,068 17%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 618 10%

4 Bank Fraud 518 8%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 241 4%

6 Loan Fraud 174 3%

Other 1,338 22%

Attempted Identity Theft 529 9%

Complaints
1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Massachusetts consumers (29,469).

MASSACHUSETTS 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 34,348

Identity Theft Types Reported by Massachusetts Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Massachusetts Victims = 4,879

1Percentages are based on the 4,879 victims reporting from Massachusetts. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Massachusetts Consumers

Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Massachusetts Consumers = 29,469

Federal Trade Commission Page 43 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,683 9%

2 Banks and Lenders 2,566 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,129 7%

4 Impostor Scams 1,551 5%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,400 5%

6 Internet Services 1,383 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 1,375 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,059 4%

9 Credit Cards 1,023 3%

10 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management 968 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,736 36%

2 Credit Card Fraud 888 18%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 568 12%

4 Bank Fraud 314 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 180 4%

6 Loan Fraud 101 2%

Other 1,036 21%

Attempted Identity Theft 396 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Michigan Consumers = 49,501

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Michigan consumers (49,501).

MICHIGAN 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 61,576

Identity Theft Types Reported by Michigan Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Michigan Victims = 12,075

1Percentages are based on the 12,075 victims reporting from Michigan. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Michigan Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 44 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 7,330 15%

2 Banks and Lenders 3,986 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 3,109 6%

4 Impostor Scams 2,194 4%

5 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,829 4%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,795 4%

7 Internet Services 1,699 3%

8 Auto Related Complaints 1,493 3%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 1,317 3%

10 Credit Cards 1,106 2%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 6,512 54%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,380 11%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 1,254 10%

4 Bank Fraud 630 5%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 387 3%

6 Loan Fraud 299 2%

Other 1,602 13%

Attempted Identity Theft 770 6%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Michigan Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Minnesota Consumers = 21,051

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Minnesota consumers (21,051).

MINNESOTA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 24,488

Identity Theft Types Reported by Minnesota Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Minnesota Victims = 3,437

1Percentages are based on the 3,437 victims reporting from Minnesota. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Minnesota Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 45 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Banks and Lenders 1,938 9%

2 Debt Collection 1,850 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,598 8%

4 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,463 7%

5 Impostor Scams 1,166 6%

6 Internet Services 1,113 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 915 4%

8 Television and Electronic Media 718 3%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 702 3%

10 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 652 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,095 32%

2 Credit Card Fraud 624 18%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 300 9%

4 Bank Fraud 268 8%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 167 5%

6 Loan Fraud 80 2%

Other 865 25%

Attempted Identity Theft 293 9%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Mississippi Consumers = 9,526

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Mississippi consumers (9,526).

MISSISSIPPI 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 12,516

Identity Theft Types Reported by Mississippi Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Mississippi Victims = 2,990

1Percentages are based on the 2,990 victims reporting from Mississippi. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Mississippi Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 46 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,742 58%

2 Phone or Utilities Fraud 278 9%

3 Credit Card Fraud 246 8%

4 Bank Fraud 164 5%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 127 4%

6 Loan Fraud 81 3%

Other 394 13%

Attempted Identity Theft 161 5%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,117 12%

2 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 746 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 715 8%

4 Impostor Scams 681 7%

5 Banks and Lenders 615 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 542 6%

7 Auto Related Complaints 429 5%

8 Internet Services 383 4%

9 Advance Payments for Credit Services 365 4%

10 Television and Electronic Media 329 3%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Mississippi Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Missouri Consumers = 25,725

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Missouri consumers (25,725).

MISSOURI 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 30,230

Identity Theft Types Reported by Missouri Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Missouri Victims = 4,505

1Percentages are based on the 4,505 victims reporting from Missouri. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Missouri Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 47 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,900 11%

2 Banks and Lenders 2,276 9%

3 Auto Related Complaints 2,017 8%

4 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,978 8%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,664 6%

6 Impostor Scams 1,329 5%

7 Internet Services 1,288 5%

8 Television and Electronic Media 1,093 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 913 4%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 854 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,475 33%

2 Credit Card Fraud 647 14%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 570 13%

4 Bank Fraud 395 9%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 216 5%

6 Loan Fraud 150 3%

Other 1,102 24%

Attempted Identity Theft 329 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Montana Consumers = 3,729

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Montana consumers (3,729).

MONTANA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 4,230

Identity Theft Types Reported by Montana Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Montana Victims = 501

1Percentages are based on the 501 victims reporting from Montana. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Montana Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 48 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 175 35%

2 Credit Card Fraud 84 17%

3 Bank Fraud 42 8%

4 Phone or Utilities Fraud 35 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 25 5%

6 Loan Fraud 11 2%

Other 107 21%

Attempted Identity Theft 53 11%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 388 10%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 363 10%

3 Impostor Scams 291 8%

4 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 216 6%

5 Banks and Lenders 195 5%

6 Internet Services 194 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 181 5%

8 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 161 4%

9 Auto Related Complaints 135 4%

10 Advance Payments for Credit Services 104 3%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Montana Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Nebraska Consumers = 7,067

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Nebraska consumers (7,067).

NEBRASKA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 8,135

Identity Theft Types Reported by Nebraska Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Nebraska Victims = 1,068

1Percentages are based on the 1,068 victims reporting from Nebraska. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Nebraska Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 49 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 313 29%

2 Credit Card Fraud 174 16%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 102 10%

4 Bank Fraud 96 9%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 82 8%

6 Loan Fraud 27 3%

Other 276 26%

Attempted Identity Theft 94 9%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 885 13%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 555 8%

3 Banks and Lenders 454 6%

4 Auto Related Complaints 404 6%

5 Impostor Scams 387 5%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 363 5%

7 Internet Services 332 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 304 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 229 3%

10 Advance Payments for Credit Services 223 3%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Nevada Consumers = 15,446

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Nevada consumers (15,446).

NEVADA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 18,478

Identity Theft Types Reported by Nevada Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Nevada Victims = 3,032

1Percentages are based on the 3,032 victims reporting from Nevada. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Nevada Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 50 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,920 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 1,232 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,039 7%

4 Internet Services 934 6%

5 Impostor Scams 826 5%

6 Auto Related Complaints 743 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 650 4%

8 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 532 3%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 516 3%

10 Credit Cards 507 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,001 33%

2 Credit Card Fraud 459 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 306 10%

4 Employment-Related Fraud 233 8%

5 Bank Fraud 215 7%

6 Loan Fraud 99 3%

Other 791 26%

Attempted Identity Theft 242 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from New Hampshire Consumers = 6,600

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from New Hampshire consumers (6,600).

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 7,382

Identity Theft Types Reported by New Hampshire Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from New Hampshire Victims = 782

1Percentages are based on the 782 victims reporting from New Hampshire. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by New Hampshire Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 51 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Banks and Lenders 821 12%

2 Debt Collection 676 10%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 494 7%

4 Auto Related Complaints 365 6%

5 Internet Services 350 5%

6 Impostor Scams 324 5%

7 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 265 4%

8 Telephone and Mobile Services 262 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 243 4%

10 Credit Cards 241 4%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 279 36%

2 Credit Card Fraud 134 17%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 71 9%

4 Bank Fraud 52 7%

5 Loan Fraud 19 2%

6 Employment-Related Fraud 16 2%

Other 185 24%

Attempted Identity Theft 84 11%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from New Jersey Consumers = 42,565

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from New Jersey consumers (42,565).

NEW JERSEY 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 50,995

Identity Theft Types Reported by New Jersey Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from New Jersey Victims = 8,430

1Percentages are based on the 8,430 victims reporting from New Jersey. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by New Jersey Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 52 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 5,092 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 4,369 10%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,644 6%

4 Telephone and Mobile Services 2,188 5%

5 Auto Related Complaints 2,183 5%

6 Internet Services 2,055 5%

7 Impostor Scams 1,946 5%

8 Credit Cards 1,519 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,257 3%

10 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management 1,182 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,996 36%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,409 17%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 1,136 13%

4 Bank Fraud 559 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 487 6%

6 Loan Fraud 181 2%

Other 1,673 20%

Attempted Identity Theft 680 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from New Mexico Consumers = 8,675

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from New Mexico consumers (8,675).

NEW MEXICO 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 10,533

Identity Theft Types Reported by New Mexico Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from New Mexico Victims = 1,858

1Percentages are based on the 1,858 victims reporting from New Mexico. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by New Mexico Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 53 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 959 11%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 648 7%

3 Banks and Lenders 531 6%

4 Impostor Scams 517 6%

5 Auto Related Complaints 435 5%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 421 5%

7 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 417 5%

8 Internet Services 383 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 380 4%

10 Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers and Report 

Users

326 4%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 550 30%

2 Employment-Related Fraud 286 15%

3 Credit Card Fraud 240 13%

4 Phone or Utilities Fraud 182 10%

5 Bank Fraud 131 7%

6 Loan Fraud 68 4%

Other 446 24%

Attempted Identity Theft 130 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from New York Consumers = 82,289

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from New York consumers (82,289).

NEW YORK 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 103,827

Identity Theft Types Reported by New York Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from New York Victims = 21,538

1Percentages are based on the 21,538 victims reporting from New York. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by New York Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 54 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 8,320 10%

2 Banks and Lenders 6,999 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 5,812 7%

4 Telephone and Mobile Services 4,688 6%

5 Internet Services 4,379 5%

6 Impostor Scams 3,977 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 3,890 5%

8 Credit Cards 3,431 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 2,748 3%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 2,594 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 8,675 40%

2 Credit Card Fraud 3,717 17%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 2,196 10%

4 Bank Fraud 1,609 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 771 4%

6 Loan Fraud 464 2%

Other 4,070 19%

Attempted Identity Theft 1,625 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from North Carolina Consumers = 41,212

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from North Carolina consumers (41,212).

NORTH CAROLINA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 49,122

Identity Theft Types Reported by North Carolina Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from North Carolina Victims = 7,910

1Percentages are based on the 7,910 victims reporting from North Carolina. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by North Carolina Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 55 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 4,736 11%

2 Banks and Lenders 3,897 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,908 7%

4 Auto Related Complaints 2,417 6%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 2,156 5%

6 Impostor Scams 2,023 5%

7 Internet Services 2,019 5%

8 Television and Electronic Media 1,666 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,603 4%

10 Credit Cards 1,375 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 3,245 41%

2 Phone or Utilities Fraud 893 11%

3 Credit Card Fraud 865 11%

4 Bank Fraud 474 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 378 5%

6 Loan Fraud 231 3%

Other 1,782 23%

Attempted Identity Theft 544 7%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the North Carolina Department of Justice. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from North Dakota Consumers = 2,826

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from North Dakota consumers (2,826).

NORTH DAKOTA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 3,114

Identity Theft Types Reported by North Dakota Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from North Dakota Victims = 288

1Percentages are based on the 288 victims reporting from North Dakota. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by North Dakota Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 56 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Impostor Scams 923 33%

2 Debt Collection 213 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 172 6%

4 Internet Services 112 4%

5 Banks and Lenders 106 4%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 102 4%

7 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 71 3%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 68 2%

9 Credit Cards 63 2%

10 Auto Related Complaints 62 2%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 83 29%

2 Credit Card Fraud 48 17%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 27 9%

4 Bank Fraud 19 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 13 5%

6 Loan Fraud 8 3%

Other 77 27%

Attempted Identity Theft 32 11%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Ohio Consumers = 50,128

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Ohio consumers (50,128).

OHIO 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 59,019

Identity Theft Types Reported by Ohio Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Ohio Victims = 8,891

1Percentages are based on the 8,891 victims reporting from Ohio. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Ohio Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 57 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 6,025 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 4,206 8%

3 Auto Related Complaints 3,245 6%

4 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 3,231 6%

5 Impostor Scams 2,802 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 2,572 5%

7 Internet Services 2,270 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 2,149 4%

9 Television and Electronic Media 2,144 4%

10 Credit Cards 1,678 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 3,675 41%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,375 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 1,229 14%

4 Bank Fraud 581 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 236 3%

6 Loan Fraud 232 3%

Other 1,596 18%

Attempted Identity Theft 579 7%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Ohio Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Oklahoma Consumers = 13,173

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Oklahoma consumers (13,173).

OKLAHOMA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 15,759

Identity Theft Types Reported by Oklahoma Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Oklahoma Victims = 2,586

1Percentages are based on the 2,586 victims reporting from Oklahoma. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Oklahoma Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 58 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 869 34%

2 Credit Card Fraud 395 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 328 13%

4 Bank Fraud 187 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 166 6%

6 Loan Fraud 85 3%

Other 560 22%

Attempted Identity Theft 194 8%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,720 13%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 986 7%

3 Impostor Scams 834 6%

4 Banks and Lenders 813 6%

5 Auto Related Complaints 800 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 794 6%

7 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 738 6%

8 Internet Services 596 5%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 524 4%

10 Advance Payments for Credit Services 413 3%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Oregon Consumers = 18,399

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Oregon consumers (18,399).

OREGON 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 20,866

Identity Theft Types Reported by Oregon Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Oregon Victims = 2,467

1Percentages are based on the 2,467 victims reporting from Oregon. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Oregon Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 59 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,137 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 1,491 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,374 7%

4 Impostor Scams 1,133 6%

5 Internet Services 1,099 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 923 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 734 4%

8 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 698 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 586 3%

10 Credit Cards 529 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 623 25%

2 Credit Card Fraud 411 17%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 260 11%

4 Bank Fraud 197 8%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 126 5%

6 Loan Fraud 69 3%

Other 710 29%

Attempted Identity Theft 245 10%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Oregon Department of Justice. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Pennsylvania Consumers = 56,397

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Pennsylvania consumers (56,397).

PENNSYLVANIA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 67,721

Identity Theft Types Reported by Pennsylvania Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Pennsylvania Victims = 11,324

1Percentages are based on the 11,324 victims reporting from Pennsylvania. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Pennsylvania Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 60 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 6,796 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 4,541 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 4,223 7%

4 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 2,964 5%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 2,924 5%

6 Impostor Scams 2,896 5%

7 Internet Services 2,713 5%

8 Auto Related Complaints 2,441 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 1,881 3%

10 Credit Cards 1,835 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 3,806 34%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,841 16%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 1,782 16%

4 Bank Fraud 836 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 567 5%

6 Loan Fraud 289 3%

Other 2,219 20%

Attempted Identity Theft 858 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Rhode Island Consumers = 4,549

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Rhode Island consumers (4,549).

RHODE ISLAND 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 5,512

Identity Theft Types Reported by Rhode Island Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Rhode Island Victims = 963

1Percentages are based on the 963 victims reporting from Rhode Island. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Rhode Island Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 61 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 600 13%

2 Banks and Lenders 381 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 307 7%

4 Impostor Scams 234 5%

5 Auto Related Complaints 222 5%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 219 5%

7 Internet Services 195 4%

8 Credit Cards 174 4%

9 Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management 165 4%

10 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 160 4%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 448 47%

2 Credit Card Fraud 133 14%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 79 8%

4 Employment-Related Fraud 50 5%

5 Bank Fraud 46 5%

6 Loan Fraud 26 3%

Other 180 19%

Attempted Identity Theft 69 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from South Carolina Consumers = 19,850

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from South Carolina consumers (19,850).

SOUTH CAROLINA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 24,132

Identity Theft Types Reported by South Carolina Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from South Carolina Victims = 4,282

1Percentages are based on the 4,282 victims reporting from South Carolina. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by South Carolina Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 62 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,879 44%

2 Credit Card Fraud 483 11%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 457 11%

4 Bank Fraud 250 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 165 4%

6 Loan Fraud 104 2%

Other 962 22%

Attempted Identity Theft 266 6%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,808 14%

2 Banks and Lenders 1,621 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,391 7%

4 Auto Related Complaints 1,149 6%

5 Impostor Scams 1,107 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,030 5%

7 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 871 4%

8 Internet Services 814 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 637 3%

10 Advance Payments for Credit Services 631 3%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from South Dakota Consumers = 2,427

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from South Dakota consumers (2,427).

SOUTH DAKOTA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 2,757

Identity Theft Types Reported by South Dakota Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from South Dakota Victims = 330

1Percentages are based on the 330 victims reporting from South Dakota. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by South Dakota Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 63 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 340 14%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 200 8%

3 Banks and Lenders 164 7%

4 Impostor Scams 156 6%

5 Internet Services 142 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 130 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 126 5%

8 Credit Cards 93 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 93 4%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 78 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 93 28%

2 Credit Card Fraud 49 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 46 14%

4 Bank Fraud 24 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 21 6%

6 Loan Fraud 9 3%

Other 85 26%

Attempted Identity Theft 27 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Tennessee Consumers = 28,091

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Tennessee consumers (28,091).

TENNESSEE 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 33,781

Identity Theft Types Reported by Tennessee Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Tennessee Victims = 5,690

1Percentages are based on the 5,690 victims reporting from Tennessee. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Tennessee Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 64 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 3,393 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 2,176 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,968 7%

4 Impostor Scams 1,710 6%

5 Auto Related Complaints 1,614 6%

6 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,510 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,300 5%

8 Internet Services 1,298 5%

9 Television and Electronic Media 1,161 4%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 943 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,669 47%

2 Credit Card Fraud 640 11%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 496 9%

4 Bank Fraud 361 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 191 3%

6 Loan Fraud 149 3%

Other 1,166 20%

Attempted Identity Theft 386 7%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Texas Consumers = 119,510

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Texas consumers (119,510).

TEXAS 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 147,809

Identity Theft Types Reported by Texas Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Texas Victims = 28,299

1Percentages are based on the 28,299 victims reporting from Texas. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Texas Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 65 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 20,206 17%

2 Banks and Lenders 7,687 6%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 7,008 6%

4 Impostor Scams 5,837 5%

5 Auto Related Complaints 5,657 5%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 5,132 4%

7 Internet Services 5,023 4%

8 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 3,278 3%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 3,239 3%

10 Television and Electronic Media 3,060 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 11,527 41%

2 Credit Card Fraud 3,260 12%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 2,985 11%

4 Employment-Related Fraud 2,819 10%

5 Bank Fraud 2,051 7%

6 Loan Fraud 979 3%

Other 5,354 19%

Attempted Identity Theft 1,655 6%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Utah Consumers = 9,907

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Utah consumers (9,907).

UTAH 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 11,493

Identity Theft Types Reported by Utah Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Utah Victims = 1,586

1Percentages are based on the 1,586 victims reporting from Utah. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Utah Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 66 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 1,293 13%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 768 8%

3 Banks and Lenders 675 7%

4 Telephone and Mobile Services 629 6%

5 Internet Services 556 6%

6 Impostor Scams 548 6%

7 Auto Related Complaints 533 5%

8 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 372 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 358 4%

10 Credit Cards 310 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 442 28%

2 Credit Card Fraud 208 13%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 179 11%

4 Employment-Related Fraud 160 10%

5 Bank Fraud 103 6%

6 Loan Fraud 49 3%

Other 424 27%

Attempted Identity Theft 127 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Vermont Consumers = 2,273

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Vermont consumers (2,273).

VERMONT 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 2,599

Identity Theft Types Reported by Vermont Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Vermont Victims = 326

1Percentages are based on the 326 victims reporting from Vermont. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Vermont Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 67 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 239 11%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 215 9%

3 Banks and Lenders 205 9%

4 Impostor Scams 149 7%

5 Auto Related Complaints 126 6%

6 Internet Services 122 5%

7 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 108 5%

8 Telephone and Mobile Services 102 4%

9 Credit Cards 96 4%

10 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 82 4%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 111 34%

2 Credit Card Fraud 58 18%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 34 10%

4 Bank Fraud 27 8%

5 Loan Fraud 10 3%

6 Employment-Related Fraud 2 1%

Other 74 23%

Attempted Identity Theft 34 10%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Virginia Consumers = 42,355

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Virginia consumers (42,355).

VIRGINIA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 48,971

Identity Theft Types Reported by Virginia Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Virginia Victims = 6,616

1Percentages are based on the 6,616 victims reporting from Virginia. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Virginia Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 68 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 4,900 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 3,732 9%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 3,104 7%

4 Internet Services 2,172 5%

5 Impostor Scams 2,170 5%

6 Auto Related Complaints 2,120 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 2,107 5%

8 Credit Cards 1,659 4%

9 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,590 4%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 1,453 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 2,250 34%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,058 16%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 903 14%

4 Bank Fraud 447 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 204 3%

6 Loan Fraud 153 2%

Other 1,572 24%

Attempted Identity Theft 541 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Washington Consumers = 33,720

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Washington consumers (33,720).

WASHINGTON 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 39,093

Identity Theft Types Reported by Washington Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Washington Victims = 5,373

1Percentages are based on the 5,373 victims reporting from Washington. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Washington Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 69 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 4,033 12%

2 Banks and Lenders 2,742 8%

3 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 2,359 7%

4 Internet Services 2,178 6%

5 Impostor Scams 1,944 6%

6 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,815 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 1,540 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 1,329 4%

9 Credit Cards 1,263 4%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 1,098 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,268 24%

2 Credit Card Fraud 1,014 19%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 555 10%

4 Bank Fraud 541 10%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 369 7%

6 Loan Fraud 132 2%

Other 1,412 26%

Attempted Identity Theft 496 9%

Complaints

Note: These figures exclude complaints provided by the Washington Office of Attorney General. 
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from West Virginia Consumers = 6,204

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from West Virginia consumers (6,204).

WEST VIRGINIA 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 7,206

Identity Theft Types Reported by West Virginia Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from West Virginia Victims = 1,002

1Percentages are based on the 1,002 victims reporting from West Virginia. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by West Virginia Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 70 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 570 9%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 513 8%

3 Impostor Scams 472 8%

4 Banks and Lenders 355 6%

5 Telephone and Mobile Services 289 5%

6 Internet Services 282 5%

7 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 281 5%

8 Auto Related Complaints 271 4%

9 Television and Electronic Media 227 4%

10 Credit Cards 219 4%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 380 38%

2 Credit Card Fraud 144 14%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 118 12%

4 Bank Fraud 52 5%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 28 3%

6 Loan Fraud 21 2%

Other 233 23%

Attempted Identity Theft 83 8%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Wisconsin Consumers = 21,678

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Wisconsin consumers (21,678).

WISCONSIN 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 25,733

Identity Theft Types Reported by Wisconsin Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Wisconsin Victims = 4,055

1Percentages are based on the 4,055 victims reporting from Wisconsin. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Wisconsin Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 71 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 2,299 11%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 1,741 8%

3 Banks and Lenders 1,680 8%

4 Telephone and Mobile Services 1,457 7%

5 Impostor Scams 1,147 5%

6 Internet Services 1,137 5%

7 Auto Related Complaints 1,052 5%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 966 4%

9 Credit Cards 755 3%

10 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 749 3%

Complaints

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 1,878 46%

2 Credit Card Fraud 590 15%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 308 8%

4 Bank Fraud 236 6%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 152 4%

6 Loan Fraud 94 2%

Other 786 19%

Attempted Identity Theft 282 7%

Complaints
Fraud and Other Complaints Count from Wyoming Consumers = 2,107

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN fraud and other complaints from Wyoming consumers (2,107).

WYOMING 

Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Figures 

January 1 - December 31, 2012

Total Number of Identity Theft, Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints = 2,425

Identity Theft Types Reported by Wyoming Victims

Identity Theft Complaints Count from Wyoming Victims = 318

1Percentages are based on the 318 victims reporting from Wyoming. Note that CSN identity theft 

complaints may be coded under multiple theft types. 

Top 10 Fraud and Other Complaint Categories Reported by Wyoming Consumers

Federal Trade Commission Page 72 of 102 Released February 2013

Rank Identity Theft Type Percentage1

1 Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 112 35%

2 Credit Card Fraud 44 14%

3 Phone or Utilities Fraud 33 10%

4 Bank Fraud 21 7%

5 Employment-Related Fraud 18 6%

6 Loan Fraud 8 3%

Other 75 24%

Attempted Identity Theft 25 8%

Complaints

Rank Top Categories Percentage1 

1 Debt Collection 259 12%

2 Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 206 10%

3 Impostor Scams 151 7%

4 Banks and Lenders 130 6%

5 Internet Services 110 5%

6 Auto Related Complaints 105 5%

7 Telephone and Mobile Services 91 4%

8 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 89 4%

9 Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 82 4%

10 Advance Payments for Credit Services 81 4%

Complaints
The Consumer Sentinel Network is a free, online database of consumer complaints available only to law 

enforcement. It includes complaints about identity theft, fraud, financial transactions, debt collection, 

credit reports, and Spam, among other subjects. The Consumer Sentinel Network is based on the 

premise that sharing information can make law enforcement even more effective. To that end, the 

Consumer Sentinel Network provides law enforcement members with access to consumer complaints 

provided directly to the FTC, as well as to complaints shared by other data contributors.

Econsumer.gov was created in April 2001 to gather and share cross-border e-commerce complaints to 

respond to the challenges of multinational Internet fraud, and enhance consumer confidence in ecommerce. Through econsumer.gov, consumers can file cross-border consumer complaints online and 

learn about alternative ways to resolve them. All information is available in English, French, German, 

Japanese, Korean, Polish, Spanish, and Turkish. Using the existing Consumer Sentinel Network, the 

incoming complaints are shared through the government Website with participating consumer protection 

law enforcers from 28 nations.

Consumer Sentinel/Military, which was established in September 2002, is a project of the Federal Trade 

Commission and the Department of Defense to identify and target consumer protection issues that affect 

members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Consumer Sentinel/Military also 

provides a gateway to consumer education materials covering a wide range of consumer protection 

issues, such as auto leasing, identity theft, and work-at-home scams. Members of the United States 

Armed Forces can enter complaints directly into Consumer Sentinel. This information is used by law 

enforcement agencies, members of the Judge Advocate General staff, and other Department of Defense 

personnel to help protect armed services members and their families from consumer protection-related 

problems.

The Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse was launched in November 1999 and is the sole national repository 

of consumer complaints about identity theft. The Clearinghouse provides specific investigative material 

for law enforcement and broader reports that provide insight to both private and public sector partners on 

ways to reduce the incidence of identity theft. Information in the Clearinghouse is available to law 

enforcement members via the Consumer Sentinel Network. This access enables law enforcers to readily 

spot local identity theft problems and to coordinate with other law enforcement officers where the data 

reveals common schemes or perpetrators. 

www.econsumer.gov

www.FTC.gov/sentinel/military

Appendix A1: The Consumer Sentinel Network

www.FTC.gov/idtheft

www.FTC.gov/Sentinel

Federal Trade Commission Page 73 of 102 Released February 2013
Appendix A2: Consumer Sentinel Network Major Data Contributors1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of Consumer Sentinel Network complaints (2,061,495) received between January 1 and December 

31, 2012. The type of complaints provided by the organization is indicated in parentheses. 

2For a list of Better Business Bureaus contributing to the Consumer Sentinel Network, see Appendix A4. 

Federal Trade Commission Page 74 of 102 Released February 2013
Appendix A3: Consumer Sentinel Network Data Contributor Details

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; CY-2011 = 1,895,012; and CY-2012 = 2,061,495.

2 For a list of Better Business Bureaus contributing to the Consumer Sentinel Network, see Appendix A4. 

Federal Trade Commission Page 75 of 102 Released February 2013

Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1 Complaints Percentages1

FTC - "877 ID THEFT" 193,076 13% 197,908 10% 261,177 13%

FTC - "877 FTC HELP" (Fraud) 131,079 9% 132,230 7% 153,478 7%

FTC - "877 FTC HELP" (Other) 125,958 9% 127,181 7% 99,855 5%

FTC - Web Complaints IDT 46,470 3% 65,895 3% 87,279 4%

FTC - Web Complaints Fraud 97,320 7% 110,098 6% 117,284 6%

FTC - Web Complaints Other 164,410 11% 156,169 8% 147,313 7%

Better Business Bureaus2 157,160 11% 483,371 26% 415,669 21%

Internet Crime Complaint Center 296,557 20% 302,381 16% 264,896 13%

PrivacyStar 10,582 1% 23,641 1% 151,800 7%

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 0 0% 4,098 <1% 83,740 4%

State Law Enforcement Agencies 75,550 5% 77,408 4% 72,077 4%

 North Carolina Department of Justice 18,088 1% 16,760 1% 17,277 1%

 Ohio Attorney General 25,463 2% 21,585 1% 16,398 1%

 Washington Attorney General 0 0% 12,206 1% 10,259 <1%

 Oregon Department of Justice 11,592 1% 10,011 1% 7,763 <1%

 Michigan Attorney General 11,393 1% 7,559 <1% 4,642 <1%

 Indiana Attorney General 0 0% 0 0% 4,612 <1%

 California Attorney General 0 0% 0 0% 4,194 <1%

 Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs 3,318 <1% 3,272 <1% 2,025 <1%

 South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs 2,429 <1% 2,210 <1% 1,566 <1%

 Idaho Attorney General 2,114 <1% 1,513 <1% 1,113 <1%

 Colorado Attorney General 0 0% 775 <1% 975 <1%

 Mississippi Attorney General 543 <1% 683 <1% 652 <1%

 Iowa Attorney General 0 0% 0 0% 309 <1%

 Montana Attorney General 610 <1% 834 <1% 292 <1%

MoneyGram International / Western Union Money Transfer 33,239 2% 68,953 4% 58,529 3%

 Western Union Money Transfer 0 0% 54,657 3% 41,150 2%

 MoneyGram International 33,239 2% 14,296 1% 17,379 1%

Publisher's Clearing House 34,541 2% 40,445 2% 50,468 2%

U.S. Postal Inspection Service 22,816 2% 25,639 1% 29,133 1%

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 49,005 3% 39,260 2% 21,505 1%

Identity Theft Assistance Center 11,551 1% 16,150 1% 20,448 1%

Others 17,941 1% 24,185 1% 26,844 1%

 Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights 7,106 <1% 10,771 1% 11,128 1%

 National Consumer League 8,638 1% 7,958 <1% 5,408 <1%

 Green Dot 0 0% 0 0% 4,670 <1%

 Canada Competition Bureau 0 0% 4,568 <1% 3,903 <1%

 Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs 0 0% 20 <1% 628 <1%

 U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service 0 0% 52 <1% 365 <1%

 Xerox Corporation 488 <1% 455 <1% 321 <1%

 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse 0 0% 0 0% 252 <1%

 Catalog Choice 276 <1% 288 <1% 101 <1%

 U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review 0 0% 34 <1% 8 <1%

 Other Data Contributors 1,433 <1% 39 <1% 60 <1%

Total Number of Complaints 1,467,255 1,895,012 2,061,495 

CY - 2010 CY - 2011 CY - 2012

Data Contributors
Appendix A4: Consumer Sentinel Network

Better Business Bureau Data Contributors

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 76 of 102 Released February 2013

Alabama, Birmingham Kansas, Wichita Ohio, Dayton

Alabama, Huntsville Kentucky, Lexington Ohio, Lima 

Alabama, Mobile Kentucky, Louisville Ohio, Toledo

Alberta, Calgary (Canada) Louisiana, Baton Rouge Ohio, Youngstown

Alberta, Edmonton (Canada) Louisiana, Lafayette (Acadiana) Oklahoma, Oklahoma City

Arizona, Phoenix Louisiana, Lake Charles Oklahoma, Tulsa

Arizona, Tucson Louisiana, Monroe Ontario, Kitchener (Canada)

Arkansas, Little Rock Louisiana, New Orleans Ontario, London (Canada)

British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada) Louisiana, Shreveport Ontario, Ottawa (Canada)

British Columbia, Victoria (Canada) Manitoba, Winnipeg (Canada) Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh

California, Colton (Southland) Maryland, Baltimore Saskatchewan, Regina (Canada)

California, Fresno Massachusetts, Boston South Carolina, Columbia

California, Oakland Massachusetts, Worchester South Carolina, Greenville

California, Sacramento Michigan, Detroit (Eastern) South Carolina, Myrtle Beach

California, San Diego Michigan, Grand Rapids Tennessee, Chattanooga

California, San Jose (Silicon Valley) Minnesota, Saint Paul Tennessee, Knoxville

California, Santa Barbara (Tri-Counties) Mississippi, Jackson Tennessee, Memphis

Colorado, Colorado Springs Missouri, Kansas City Tennessee, Nashville

Colorado, Denver Missouri, Saint Louis Texas, Abilene

Colorado, Fort Collins Missouri, Springfield Texas, Amarillo

Connecticut, Wallingford Nebraska, Omaha Texas, Austin

Delaware, Wilmington Nevada, Las Vegas Texas, Beaumont

District of Columbia, Washington Nevada, Reno Texas, Brazos Valley (Bryan)

Florida, Clearwater New Hampshire, Concord Texas, Dallas

Florida, Jacksonville (Northeast Florida) New Jersey, Trenton Texas, El Paso

Florida, Orlando New Mexico, Albuquerque Texas, Fort Worth

Florida, Pensacola New York, Buffalo Texas, Houston

Florida, West Palm Beach New York, New York City Texas, Lubbock (South Plains)

Georgia, Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia North Carolina, Asheville Texas, San Angelo

Georgia, Columbus North Carolina, Charlotte Texas, Tyler

Georgia, Macon North Carolina, Greensboro Texas, Wichita Falls

Hawaii, Honolulu North Carolina, Raleigh Utah, Salt Lake City

Idaho, Boise North Carolina, Winston-Salem Virginia, Norfolk

Illinois, Chicago Nova Scotia, Halifax (Canada) Virginia, Richmond

Illinois, Peoria Ohio, Akron Virginia, Roanoke

Indiana, Evansville Ohio, Canton Washington, DuPont 

Indiana, Fort Wayne Ohio, Cincinnati Washington, Spokane

Indiana, Indianapolis Ohio, Cleveland Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Iowa, Des Moines Ohio, Columbus
Appendix B1: Consumer Sentinel Network 

Complaint Category Descriptions

Federal Trade Commission Page 77 of 102 Released February 2013

1

Advance Payments for Credit Services: The promise of a loan or credit card that requires you to pay a fee first; worthless 

credit card loss protection and insurance programs; the promise that accurate negative information can be removed from 

your credit file for a fee; etc. (Fraud Category)

2

Auto Related Complaints: Misleading or deceptive claims regarding auto warranties; repair/maintenance issues with newly 

purchased used or new cars, including dissatisfaction with service provided by auto mechanics; price fixing and price 

gouging concerns against gas stations and oil companies; etc. (Other Category) 

3

Banks and Lenders: Deceptive or predatory mortgage lending practices; problems with modification of mortgage terms; 

miscellaneous customer service and account issues with bank products, including fees and overdraft charges; etc. (Other 

Category)

4

Business and Job Opportunities: Complaints about business opportunities: promotion of distributing goods and services, 

provided by the promoter, with assistance in the form of locations or accounts or customers. Also, complaints about workat-home plans: an offer a consumer may receive or seek out to work directly from home (e.g. stuffing envelopes or 

processing medical claims), as well as complaints about multi-level marketing schemes. (Fraud Category)

5

Buyers' Clubs: Complaints involving free trials or discounts on products and services; a buyers’ club membership 

becomes a fraud when consumers are billed for "memberships" they did not agree to purchase. Frequently, consumers are 

offered a free-trial offer and are automatically enrolled and charged fees once the free-trial period is over. (Fraud Category)

6 Charitable Solicitations: Misleading pitches for donations to benefit local service organizations; solicitations for bogus 

charity or relief organizations; etc. (Fraud Category)

7 Clothing, Textiles and Jewelry: Fake or replica goods passed off as genuine; order fulfillment problems; failure to honor 

refund or return policies; etc. (Other Category) 

8 Computer Equipment and Software: Problems with computer software, hardware, and computer equipment purchases; 

unwanted or unauthorized software installations and downloads; etc. (Other Category)

9

Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers and Report Users: Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) or furnisher provides 

inaccurate information or fails to reinvestigate disputed information; CRA provides inadequate phone help; difficulties 

ordering free annual credit reports; impermissible access to/inquiry on credit reports; etc. (Other Category) 

10 Credit Cards: Account or billing issues, including interest rate changes, late fees, credit disputes, and overcharges; 

fraudulent credit card offers/phishing attempts; etc. (Other Category) 

11

Debt Collection: Debt collector calls repeatedly or continuously; falsely represents the amount or status of debt; fails to 

send written notice of debt; falsely threatens suit; uses profane language; fails to identify self as debt collector; and/or 

violates other provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. (Other Category)

12

Education: Complaints about trade or vocational school services, including issues related to accreditation, billing and 

collection, or institutional advertising claims related to usefulness of the degree or job prospects after graduation. Also, 

complaints about traditional colleges and universities. (Other Category)

13

Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams: Letters or e-mails offering the "opportunity" to share in a 

percentage of millions of dollars that a self-proclaimed government official is trying to transfer illegally out of a foreign 

country in return for money, bank account numbers, or other identifying information from the victim; fraudulent schemes 

involving foreign lotteries, mystery shoppers, or Internet purchases/classified ads in which a counterfeit check 

overpayment is received along with a request to wire back the difference immediately after check deposit, leaving the 

victim responsible for the funds withdrawn; etc. (Fraud Category)

14

Grants: Deceptive practices by businesses or individuals marketing either government grant opportunities or financial aid 

assistance services; problems with student loan processors, debt collectors collecting on defaulted student loans, and 

diploma mills and other unaccredited educational institutions; etc. (Fraud Category) 

15

Health Care: Fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive claims for vision correction procedures; dietary supplements; weight 

loss products or services; impotency treatments; health spas and equipments; infertility services; sunscreens; HIV test 

kits; etc. (Fraud Category)
Federal Trade Commission Page 78 of 102 Released February 2013

Appendix B1: Consumer Sentinel Network 

Complaint Category Descriptions

16

Home Repair, Improvement and Products: Defective furniture or appliances; service or warranty-related issues; furniture 

or appliance delivery problems, including receiving wrong or incomplete products; problems with home repair services and 

contractors; etc. (Other Category) 

17 Identity Theft: When someone appropriates your personal identifying information (like your Social Security number or 

credit card account number) to commit fraud or theft. (Identity Theft Category)

18

Impostor Scams: Complaints about scammers claiming to be friends, family, a romantic interest, companies or government 

agencies to induce people to send money or divulge personal information. Complaints include the following: scammers 

posing as friends or relatives stranded in foreign countries without money; scammers claiming to be working for or 

affiliated with a government agency; and scammers claiming to be affiliated with a private entity (e.g. a charity or 

company). (Fraud Category)

19 Internet Auction: Non-delivery or late delivery of goods; delivery of goods that are less valuable than advertised; failure 

to disclose all the relevant information about the product or terms of the sale; etc. (Fraud Category)

20

Internet Services: Problems with trial offers from Internet Service Providers ("ISPs"); difficulty canceling an ISP account; 

issues with Internet entertainment services, Internet gaming, and social networking services; undisclosed charges; website 

design and hosting services; spyware, adware, and malware issues; etc. (Fraud Category)

21 Investment Related Complaints: Investment opportunities in day trading; gold and gems; art; rare coins; etc. (Fraud 

Category)

22 Magazines and Books: Pitches for "free," "pre-paid," or "special" magazine or book subscription deals; etc. (Fraud 

Category)

23

Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management: Complaints about mortgage lenders, brokers, and other entities 

making false promises to save consumers’ homes from foreclosure; mortgage refinancing, mortgage term modifications, 

and debt management issues; credit organizations charging excessive fees, making false promises to provide free services, 

pay creditors, or reduce interest rates. (Fraud Category)

24

Office Supplies and Services: Fraudulent or deceptive offers for toner, copier paper, maintenance supplies, equipment 

maintenance contracts; classified advertising and yellow page invoice scams; website cramming schemes; etc. (Fraud 

Category)

25 Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries: Promotions for "free" prizes for a fee; foreign lotteries and sweepstakes offered 

through the phone, fax, e-mail or mail; etc. (Fraud Category)

26

Real Estate: Complaints about deceptive and misleading practices involving real estate agents and companies, real estate 

appraisers and appraisal services, real estate consultants, real estate property management, and real estate land 

developers. (Other Category)

27

Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales: Problems, such as undisclosed costs, failure to deliver on time, non-delivery, and 

refusal to honor a guarantee, with purchases made via the Internet (not including auction sales), telephone, or mail. (Fraud 

Category)

28

Telephone and Mobile Services: Complaints about charges for calls to "toll-free" numbers; unauthorized charges such as 

charges for calls consumers didn’t make; unauthorized switching of consumers’ phone service provider; misleading prepaid phone card offers; unsolicited mobile text messages; problems with mobile applications or downloads; other mobile 

device problems; etc. (Fraud Category)

29 Television and Electronic Media: Problems with TV reception, installation, billing, and promotions for cable/satellite 

providers; miscellaneous problems with music/DVD/video game purchases. (Other Category) 

30 Travel, Vacations and Timeshare Plans: Deceptive offers for "free" or low-cost vacations; cut-rate student travel 

packages; misleading timeshare offers; etc. (Fraud Category)
Appendix B2: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Categories1

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; 

CY-2011 = 1,895,012; CY-2012 = 2,061,495. Note that percentages may not sum to 100% because CSN complaints may be 

coded under multiple product service codes.

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 79 of 102 Released February 2013

Advance Payments for Credit Services 33,135 2.26% 48,589 2.56% 42,974 2.08%

Auto Related Complaints 24,928 1.70% 84,207 4.44% 78,062 3.79%

Banks and Lenders 38,081 2.60% 99,701 5.26% 132,340 6.42%

Business and Job Opportunities 28,078 1.91% 39,639 2.09% 32,496 1.58%

Buyers' Clubs 913 0.06% 2,957 0.16% 2,125 0.10%

Charitable Solicitations 3,602 0.25% 4,018 0.21% 3,599 0.17%

Clothing, Textiles and Jewelry 2,918 0.20% 3,516 0.19% 2,468 0.12%

Computer Equipment and Software 21,627 1.47% 16,029 0.85% 13,386 0.65%

Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers and Report Users 30,447 2.08% 30,914 1.63% 29,268 1.42%

Credit Cards 34,406 2.34% 43,457 2.29% 51,550 2.50%

Debt Collection 152,718 10.41% 185,630 9.80% 199,721 9.69%

Education 657 0.04% 3,630 0.19% 3,613 0.18%

Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams 45,146 3.08% 42,376 2.24% 46,112 2.24%

Grants 4,523 0.31% 12,031 0.63% 10,257 0.50%

Health Care 25,899 1.77% 41,962 2.21% 35,703 1.73%

Home Repair, Improvement and Products 11,524 0.79% 13,564 0.72% 13,432 0.65%

Identity Theft 251,089 17.11% 279,226 14.73% 369,132 17.91%

Impostor Scams 60,045 4.09% 70,059 3.70% 82,896 4.02%

Internet Auction 56,418 3.85% 35,945 1.90% 29,553 1.43%

Internet Services 68,382 4.66% 87,778 4.63% 81,438 3.95%

Investment Related Complaints 6,804 0.46% 7,384 0.39% 7,117 0.35%

Magazines and Books 12,737 0.87% 23,822 1.26% 18,906 0.92%

Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management 30,636 2.09% 40,221 2.12% 33,791 1.64%

Office Supplies and Services 10,626 0.72% 20,344 1.07% 24,210 1.17%

Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries 94,667 6.45% 101,790 5.37% 98,479 4.78%

Real Estate 4,892 0.33% 9,727 0.51% 8,468 0.41%

Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales 66,877 4.56% 105,810 5.58% 115,184 5.59%

Telephone and Mobile Services 43,903 2.99% 89,903 4.74% 76,783 3.72%

Television and Electronic Media 32,130 2.19% 43,194 2.28% 41,664 2.02%

Travel, Vacations and Timeshare Plans 21,850 1.49% 36,473 1.92% 30,324 1.47%

Category

CY - 2010 CY - 2011 CY - 2012

Complaints / Percentages1 Complaints / Percentages1 Complaints / Percentages1
Appendix B3: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Category Details1

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 80 of 102 Released February 2013

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; CY-2011 = 1,895,012; 

CY-2012 = 2,061,495. Note that counts and percentages may not add up to the total in each category because CSN complaints may 

have multiple product service codes. 

Advance Payments for Credit Services

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Advance-Fee Loans, Credit Arrangers 30,448 2.08 % 44,496 2.35% 38,885 1.89 %

Credit Card Loss Protection 546 0.04 % 1,397 0.07% 1,408 0.07 %

Credit Repair 1,847 0.13 % 2,040 0.11% 2,094 0.10 %

Recovery\Refund Companies 302 0.02 % 685 0.04% 612 0.03 %

Count/Percentage: 33,135 2.26% 48,589 2.56% 42,974 2.08%

Auto Related Complaints

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Auto: Financing 113 0.01 % 909 0.05% 2,445 0.12 %

Auto: Gas 484 0.03 % 3,189 0.17% 2,672 0.13 %

Auto: Other 3,260 0.22 % 0 0.00% 0 0.00 %

Auto: Parts & Repairs 4,533 0.31 % 5,023 0.27% 4,560 0.22 %

Auto: Renting & Leasing 928 0.06 % 6,699 0.35% 6,535 0.32 %

Auto: Sales – New 6,214 0.42 % 35,853 1.89% 32,707 1.59 %

Auto: Sales – Used 9,540 0.65 % 29,023 1.53% 26,507 1.29 %

Auto: Warranty Plans & Services 574 0.04 % 4,670 0.25% 3,556 0.17 %

Count/Percentage: 24,928 1.70% 84,207 4.44% 78,062 3.79%

Banks and Lenders

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

ATM-Electronic Banking Procedures 95 0.01 % 63 0.00% 1 0.00 %

Bank: National\Commercial 6,849 0.47 % 31,161 1.64% 34,157 1.66 %

Bank: Savings and Loan\Thrift 440 0.03 % 411 0.02% 610 0.03 %

Bank: State-Charter: FR Member 400 0.03 % 1,429 0.08% 582 0.03 %

Bank: State-Charter: Non-FR Member 591 0.04 % 375 0.02% 204 0.01 %

Lending: Banks & Credit Unions 781 0.05 % 2,660 0.14% 3,448 0.17 %

Lending: Finance Company 3,580 0.24 % 11,542 0.61% 8,013 0.39 %

Lending: Mortgage 19,738 1.35 % 29,872 1.58% 62,315 3.02 %

Lending: Other Institutions 6,076 0.41 % 22,637 1.19% 18,693 0.91 %

Lending: Payday Loans 0 0.00 % 1 0.00% 476 0.02 %

Lending: Student Loans 101 0.01 % 1,126 0.06% 4,507 0.22 %

Count/Percentage: 38,081 2.60% 99,701 5.26% 132,340 6.42%

Business and Job Opportunities

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Business Opportunities\Work-At-Home Plans 12,960 0.88 % 20,700 1.09% 14,309 0.69 %

Employ Agencies\Job Counsel\Overseas Work 12,335 0.84 % 18,315 0.97% 15,979 0.78 %

Franchises\Distributorships 3 0.00 % 13 0.00% 496 0.02 %

Inventions\Idea Promotions 573 0.04 % 675 0.04% 660 0.03 %

Multi-Level Mktg\Pyramids\Chain Letters 2,289 0.16 % 2,042 0.11% 2,922 0.14 %

Count/Percentage: 28,078 1.91% 39,639 2.09% 32,496 1.58%

Buyers' Clubs

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Buyers Clubs (not travel or lottery) 913 0.06 % 2,957 0.16% 2,125 0.10 %

Count/Percentage: 913 0.06% 2,957 0.16% 2,125 0.10%
Appendix B3: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Category Details1

Federal Trade Commission Page 81 of 102 Released February 2013

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; CY-2011 = 1,895,012; 

CY-2012 = 2,061,495. Note that counts and percentages may not add up to the total in each category because CSN complaints may 

have multiple product service codes. 

Charitable Solicitations

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Charitable Solicitations 3,602 0.25 % 4,018 0.21% 3,599 0.17 %

Count/Percentage: 3,602 0.25% 4,018 0.21% 3,599 0.17%

Clothing, Textiles and Jewelry

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Garments, Wool, Leather Goods & Textiles 2,197 0.15 % 2,771 0.15% 1,712 0.08 %

Jewelry\Watches 721 0.05 % 745 0.04% 757 0.04 %

Count/Percentage: 2,918 0.20% 3,516 0.19% 2,468 0.12%

Computer Equipment and Software

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Computers: Equipment\Software 21,627 1.47 % 16,029 0.85% 13,386 0.65 %

Count/Percentage: 21,627 1.47% 16,029 0.85% 13,386 0.65%

Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers and Report Users

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Credit Bureaus 19,135 1.30 % 19,489 1.03% 20,139 0.98 %

Credit Information Furnishers 11,611 0.79 % 11,879 0.63% 9,967 0.48 %

Credit Report Users 1,969 0.13 % 1,557 0.08% 1,088 0.05 %

Count/Percentage: 30,447 2.08% 30,914 1.63% 29,268 1.42%

Credit Cards

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Credit Cards 34,174 2.33 % 43,236 2.28% 51,262 2.49 %

Credit Cards: Retailer 526 0.04 % 702 0.04% 578 0.03 %

Count/Percentage: 34,406 2.34% 43,457 2.29% 51,550 2.50%

Debt Collection

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Creditor Debt Collection 33,920 2.31 % 26,932 1.42% 23,197 1.13 %

Third Party Debt Collection 120,582 8.22 % 160,184 8.45% 178,009 8.63 %

Count/Percentage: 152,718 10.41% 185,630 9.80% 199,721 9.69%

Education

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Education: Colleges and Universities 0 0.00 % 0 0.00% 386 0.02 %

Education: Trade\Vocational Schools 657 0.04 % 3,630 0.19% 3,236 0.16 %

Count/Percentage: 657 0.04% 3,630 0.19% 3,613 0.18%

Foreign Money Offers and Counterfeit Check Scams

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Counterfeit Check Scams 29,670 2.02 % 33,359 1.76% 38,386 1.86 %

Nigerian\Other Foreign Money Offers (not prizes) 16,405 1.12 % 9,226 0.49% 7,782 0.38 %

Count/Percentage: 45,146 3.08% 42,376 2.24% 46,112 2.24%
Appendix B3: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Category Details1

Federal Trade Commission Page 82 of 102 Released February 2013

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; CY-2011 = 1,895,012; 

CY-2012 = 2,061,495. Note that counts and percentages may not add up to the total in each category because CSN complaints may 

have multiple product service codes. 

Grants

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Grants: Non-Educational 3,800 0.26 % 10,600 0.56% 9,288 0.45 %

Scholarships\Educational Grants 723 0.05 % 1,444 0.08% 1,002 0.05 %

Count/Percentage: 4,523 0.31% 12,031 0.63% 10,257 0.50%

Health Care

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Health Care: Diet Products\Centers\Plans 9,101 0.62 % 18,752 0.99% 16,552 0.80 %

Health Care: Dietary Supplements\Herbal Remedies 2,460 0.17 % 2,972 0.16% 2,551 0.12 %

Health Care: Drugs-OTC\Prescription 1,085 0.07 % 1,496 0.08% 1,162 0.06 %

Health Care: Eye Care 1,499 0.10 % 3,623 0.19% 3,015 0.15 %

Health Care: Medical Discount Plans\Cards\Insurance 1,659 0.11 % 3,446 0.18% 3,055 0.15 %

Health Care: Other Medical Treatments 3,751 0.26 % 3,881 0.20% 2,588 0.13 %

Health Care: Other Products\Supplies 6,413 0.44 % 7,835 0.41% 6,833 0.33 %

Count/Percentage: 25,899 1.77% 41,962 2.21% 35,703 1.73%

Home Repair, Improvement and Products

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Heating and Air Conditioning 322 0.02 % 322 0.02% 277 0.01 %

Home Appliances 2,120 0.14 % 2,040 0.11% 1,735 0.08 %

Home Furnishings 2,668 0.18 % 2,445 0.13% 1,878 0.09 %

Home Protection Devices 1,009 0.07 % 1,382 0.07% 2,260 0.11 %

Home Repair 3,601 0.25 % 2,974 0.16% 2,408 0.12 %

Housing 1,828 0.12% 4,439 0.23% 4,910 0.24%

Count/Percentage: 11,524 0.79% 13,564 0.72% 13,432 0.65%

Identity Theft

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Identity Theft 251,089 17.11 % 279,226 14.73% 369,132 17.91 %

Count/Percentage: 251,089 17.11 % 279,226 14.73% 369,132 17.91 %

Impostor Scams

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Impostor: Business 2 0.00 % 821 0.04% 18,028 0.87 %

Impostor: Family\Friend 10,728 0.73 % 21,833 1.15% 11,093 0.54 %

Impostor: Government 49,321 3.36 % 47,454 2.50% 43,851 2.13 %

Romance Scams 5 0.00 % 2 0.00% 10,263 0.50 %

Count/Percentage: 60,045 4.09% 70,059 3.70% 82,896 4.02%

Internet Auction

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Internet Auction 56,418 3.85 % 35,945 1.90% 29,553 1.43 %

Count/Percentage: 56,418 3.85% 35,945 1.90% 29,553 1.43%
Appendix B3: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Category Details1

Federal Trade Commission Page 83 of 102 Released February 2013

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; CY-2011 = 1,895,012; 

CY-2012 = 2,061,495. Note that counts and percentages may not add up to the total in each category because CSN complaints may 

have multiple product service codes. 

Internet Services

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Internet Access Services 16,998 1.16 % 10,634 0.56% 8,354 0.41 %

Internet Gaming 292 0.02 % 2,168 0.11% 2,479 0.12 %

Internet Information Services 24,829 1.69 % 38,593 2.04% 36,898 1.79 %

Internet Payment Service 362 0.02 % 511 0.03% 458 0.02 %

Internet Web Site Design\Promotion 2,550 0.17 % 4,956 0.26% 4,025 0.20 %

Social Networking Service 617 0.04 % 3,467 0.18% 5,113 0.25 %

Spyware\Adware\Malware 22,818 1.56 % 27,530 1.45% 24,238 1.18 %

Count/Percentage: 68,382 4.66% 87,778 4.63% 81,438 3.95%

Investment Related Complaints

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Invest: Advice, Seminars 384 0.03 % 1,628 0.09% 1,860 0.09 %

Invest: Art\Gems\Rare Coins 341 0.02 % 1,121 0.06% 969 0.05 %

Invest: Other (note in comments) 4,992 0.34 % 3,264 0.17% 3,083 0.15 %

Invest: Stocks\Commodity Futures Trading 1,090 0.07 % 1,373 0.07% 1,206 0.06 %

Count/Percentage: 6,804 0.46% 7,384 0.39% 7,117 0.35%

Magazines and Books

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Books 1,451 0.10 % 4,857 0.26% 3,577 0.17 %

Magazines 11,296 0.77 % 19,230 1.01% 15,545 0.75 %

Count/Percentage: 12,737 0.87% 23,822 1.26% 18,906 0.92%

Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Debt Management\Credit Counseling 12,569 0.86 % 19,755 1.04% 15,726 0.76 %

Mortgage Modification\Foreclosure Relief 18,086 1.23 % 20,480 1.08% 18,079 0.88 %

Count/Percentage: 30,636 2.09% 40,221 2.12% 33,791 1.64%

Office Supplies and Services

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Office Supplies and Services 3,760 0.26 % 5,441 0.29% 6,809 0.33 %

Office Supplies: Toner 1,072 0.07 % 930 0.05% 721 0.03 %

Office: Ad Space\Directory Listings 5,800 0.40 % 13,977 0.74% 16,683 0.81 %

Count/Percentage: 10,626 0.72% 20,344 1.07% 24,210 1.17%

Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Lotteries\Lottery Ticket Buying Clubs 16,615 1.13 % 17,862 0.94% 16,928 0.82 %

Prizes\Sweepstakes\Gifts 79,190 5.40 % 90,709 4.79% 84,765 4.11 %

Count/Percentage: 94,667 6.45% 101,790 5.37% 98,479 4.78%
Appendix B3: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Category Details1

Federal Trade Commission Page 84 of 102 Released February 2013

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; CY-2011 = 1,895,012; 

CY-2012 = 2,061,495. Note that counts and percentages may not add up to the total in each category because CSN complaints may 

have multiple product service codes. 

Real Estate

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Real Estate (not Timeshares) 4,892 0.33 % 9,727 0.51% 8,468 0.41 %

Count/Percentage: 4,892 0.33% 9,727 0.51% 8,468 0.41%

Shop-at-Home and Catalog Sales

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Shop-at-Home\Catalog Sales 66,877 4.56 % 105,810 5.58% 115,184 5.59 %

Count/Percentage: 66,877 4.56% 105,810 5.58% 115,184 5.59%

Telephone and Mobile Services

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Mobile: Applications\Other Downloads 380 0.03 % 329 0.02% 377 0.02 %

Mobile: Carrier Rates\Plans 2,771 0.19 % 2,553 0.13% 2,198 0.11 %

Mobile: Other 16,611 1.13 % 63,772 3.37% 50,869 2.47 %

Mobile: Text Messages 2,629 0.18 % 2,870 0.15% 6,728 0.33 %

Mobile: Unauthorized Charges or Debits 784 0.05 % 625 0.03% 711 0.03 %

Telephone: Carrier Switching 698 0.05 % 590 0.03% 453 0.02 %

Telephone: Other 10,295 0.70 % 11,429 0.60% 11,489 0.56 %

Telephone: Prepaid Phone Cards 959 0.07 % 3,307 0.17% 2,825 0.14 %

Telephone: Unauthorized Charges or Debits 7,981 0.54 % 4,054 0.21% 1,876 0.09 %

Telephone: VoIP Services 443 0.03 % 910 0.05% 754 0.04 %

Unsolicited Faxes 523 0.04 % 564 0.03% 436 0.02 %

Count/Percentage: 43,903 2.99% 89,903 4.74% 76,783 3.72%

Television and Electronic Media

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

DVD\Video\Film 599 0.04 % 950 0.05% 498 0.02 %

Music: All Formats 675 0.05 % 641 0.03% 737 0.04 %

Television (Programming and Advertisements) 270 0.02 % 1,484 0.08% 1,153 0.06 %

Television: Satellite & Cable 29,165 1.99 % 38,074 2.01% 35,706 1.73 %

Video Games 1,431 0.10 % 2,233 0.12% 3,575 0.17 %

Count/Percentage: 32,130 2.19% 43,194 2.28% 41,664 2.02%

Travel, Vacations and Timeshare Plans

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Timeshare Resales 2,184 0.15 % 6,041 0.32% 4,557 0.22 %

Timeshare Sales 3,857 0.26 % 6,951 0.37% 6,251 0.30 %

Travel\Vacations 15,875 1.08 % 23,591 1.24% 19,562 0.95 %

Count/Percentage: 21,850 1.49% 36,473 1.92% 30,324 1.47%
Appendix B3: Consumer Sentinel Network Complaint Category Details1

Federal Trade Commission Page 85 of 102 Released February 2013

Calendar Years 2010 through 2012

1Percentages are based on the total number of CSN complaints for each calendar year: CY-2010 = 1,467,255; CY-2011 = 1,895,012; 

CY-2012 = 2,061,495. Note that counts and percentages may not add up to the total in each category because CSN complaints may 

have multiple product service codes. 

Miscellaneous Complaints

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Alcoholic Beverages 49 0.00% 36 0.00% 2 0.00%

Children's Products 371 0.03% 1,871 0.10% 1,684 0.08%

Food 1,301 0.09% 1,119 0.06% 1,045 0.05%

Funeral Services 419 0.03% 1,342 0.07% 1,162 0.06%

Health Care Provider Billing 759 0.05% 840 0.04% 936 0.05%

IDT Protection or Prevention 3 0.00% 277 0.01% 183 0.01%

Immigration Services 117 0.01% 1,220 0.06% 716 0.03%

Insurance (Other than Medical) 2,196 0.15% 2,275 0.12% 2,057 0.10%

Leasing: Business 534 0.04% 578 0.03% 471 0.02%

Leasing: Consumer 416 0.03% 0 0.00% 0 0.00%

Modeling Agencies\Services 506 0.03% 1,017 0.05% 712 0.03%

Mortgage Servicing 0 0.00% 67 0.00% 0 0.00%

Personal Care Products 881 0.06% 596 0.03% 576 0.03%

Property\Inheritance Tracers 1,351 0.09% 1,739 0.09% 1,296 0.06%

Tobacco Products 298 0.02% 933 0.05% 432 0.02%

Utilities 3,699 0.25% 2,987 0.16% 2,354 0.11%

Unspecified Complaints

Product Service CY - 2010 Percentage1 CY - 2011 Percentage1 CY - 2012 Percentage1

Other (Note in Comments) 197,211 13.44% 191,998 10.13% 140,895 6.83%

Telemarketing, Other 38,503 2.62% 64,796 3.42% 189,862 9.21%

Unauthorized Debits or Charges for Unknown Products 2,619 0.18% 2,060 0.11% 2,087 0.10%

Unsolicited Email 26,797 1.83% 31,808 1.68% 33,103 1.61%
State Name

Total Fraud 

Complaints

Total Amount 

Paid Reported

 Complaints 

Reporting 

Amount Paid 

Percentages 

Reporting 

Amount Paid

Average 

Amount 

Paid1

Alabama 12,037 $12,475,415 8,736 73% $1,428

Alaska 1,949 $2,706,165 1,456 75% $1,859

Arizona 20,334 $30,676,726 14,060 69% $2,182

Arkansas 6,716 $7,633,312 4,864 72% $1,569

California 117,965 $201,695,704 66,511 56% $3,033

Colorado 18,038 $20,660,401 12,919 72% $1,599

Connecticut 9,839 $13,807,353 6,461 66% $2,137

Delaware 2,888 $4,212,435 1,862 64% $2,262

Dist. of Columbia 2,714 $4,868,794 1,744 64% $2,792

Florida 85,566 $187,596,072 39,585 46% $4,739

Georgia 35,507 $31,157,673 16,304 46% $1,911

Hawaii 4,122 $7,902,803 3,028 73% $2,610

Idaho 4,243 $5,534,125 2,880 68% $1,922

Illinois 31,144 $38,849,258 19,900 64% $1,952

Indiana 15,538 $17,421,123 11,191 72% $1,557

Iowa 5,777 $6,822,052 4,097 71% $1,665

Kansas 6,796 $9,901,084 4,783 70% $2,070

Kentucky 9,649 $7,414,950 6,337 66% $1,170

Louisiana 11,727 $11,016,964 8,000 68% $1,377

Maine 3,318 $2,235,027 2,384 72% $938

Maryland 18,584 $23,786,333 12,762 69% $1,864

Massachusetts 19,284 $19,135,994 12,292 64% $1,557

Michigan 32,640 $23,292,448 15,849 49% $1,470

Minnesota 13,642 $15,692,287 8,967 66% $1,750

Mississippi 6,236 $6,146,947 4,457 71% $1,379

Missouri 14,848 $16,405,307 9,626 65% $1,704

Montana 2,539 $2,409,454 1,889 74% $1,276

Nebraska 4,469 $4,766,895 3,020 68% $1,578

Nevada 9,600 $28,044,795 6,248 65% $4,489

New Hampshire 3,868 $3,002,279 2,575 67% $1,166

New Jersey 25,443 $31,022,297 15,623 61% $1,986

New Mexico 5,582 $7,029,123 3,766 67% $1,866

New York 51,701 $72,681,358 32,080 62% $2,266

North Carolina 24,129 $26,377,973 15,560 64% $1,695

North Dakota 2,191 $4,017,339 1,801 82% $2,231

Ohio 29,474 $31,472,558 19,784 67% $1,591

Oklahoma 8,183 $11,173,999 5,738 70% $1,947

Oregon 11,709 $16,230,138 8,302 71% $1,955

Pennsylvania 35,138 $37,573,044 22,835 65% $1,645

Rhode Island 2,840 $3,051,032 1,771 62% $1,723

South Carolina 11,712 $13,095,386 8,127 69% $1,611

South Dakota 1,474 $1,899,931 1,009 68% $1,883

Tennessee 16,949 $23,856,098 11,891 70% $2,006

Texas 73,087 $77,379,599 39,621 54% $1,953

Utah 6,203 $9,989,601 4,086 66% $2,445

Vermont 1,374 $861,471 993 72% $868

Virginia 25,398 $27,728,047 17,204 68% $1,612

Washington 20,750 $26,146,146 14,323 69% $1,825

West Virginia 4,052 $5,390,852 3,034 75% $1,777

Wisconsin 13,761 $15,662,452 9,253 67% $1,693

Wyoming 1,368 $2,244,384 1,021 75% $2,198

1Average amount paid is based on the total number of fraud complaints where amount paid was reported by consumers from the respective States. The amount 

paid is based on complaints reporting values from $0 to $999,999.

Appendix C: Consumer Sentinel Network Fraud Complaints 

& Amount Paid Reported by State and the District of Columbia 

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 86 of 102 Released February 2013

Note: This appendix excludes 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon Departments of Justice, the South Carolina 

Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for California, Colorado, Idaho, 

Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Federal Trade Commission Page 87 of 102 Released February 2013

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Abilene, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 532 321.9 309

Akron, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,234 459.9 62

Albany, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 467 296.9 339

Albany-Lebanon, OR Micropolitan Statistical Area 438 375.4 204

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,593 412.6 133

Albuquerque, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,906 440.3 89

Alexandria, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 544 353.4 250

Allegan, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area 279 250.4 380

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,496 425.7 114

Altoona, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 462 363.5 230

Amarillo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 731 292.5 347

Anchorage, AK Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,730 454.3 68

Anderson, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 496 376.8 201

Anderson, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 732 391.2 174

Ann Arbor, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,358 393.9 168

Anniston-Oxford, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 461 388.8 178

Appleton, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 727 322.2 306

Asheville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,972 464.2 54

Ashtabula, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area 379 373.4 213

Athens-Clarke County, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 661 343.3 272

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 25,594 485.8 40

Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,215 442.5 84

Auburn-Opelika, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 510 363.6 229

Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,258 405.5 145

Augusta-Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area 466 381.5 194

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,647 503.8 30

Bakersfield-Delano, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,612 311.1 323

Baltimore-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 14,421 532.0 16

Bangor, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area 604 392.4 171

Barnstable Town, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 968 448.4 76

Baton Rouge, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,949 367.5 222

Battle Creek, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 474 348.2 260

Bay City, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 352 326.6 302

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,336 343.7 271

Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,118 555.8 10

Bend, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 751 476.1 46

Billings, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area 586 370.8 219

Binghamton, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 985 391.3 173

Birmingham-Hoover, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,912 435.4 97

Bismarck, ND Metropolitan Statistical Area 315 289.6 354

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 583 357.8 242

Bloomington, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 626 324.8 304

Bloomington-Normal, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 622 366.8 224

Bluefield, WV-VA Micropolitan Statistical Area 324 301.8 332

Boise City-Nampa, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,832 459.3 63

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area 18,411 404.4 146

Boulder, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,581 536.7 15

Bowling Green, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 387 307.3 326

Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,246 496.2 34
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 88 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,614 394.2 166

Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 695 171.1 386

Brunswick, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 387 344.4 269

Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,528 398.8 155

Burlington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 538 356.0 245

Burlington-South Burlington, VT Metropolitan Statistical Area 711 336.6 284

Canton-Massillon, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,786 441.6 87

Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,816 455.1 67

Cedar Rapids, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 757 293.5 343

Chambersburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 527 352.2 253

Champaign-Urbana, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 760 327.7 300

Charleston, WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 913 300.0 333

Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,255 489.8 36

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,147 463.4 56

Charlottesville, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,134 562.6 5

Chattanooga, TN-GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,265 428.9 108

Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 36,508 385.9 182

Chico, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 871 395.9 163

Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,485 398.3 157

Clarksville, TN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,242 453.4 71

Cleveland, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 494 426.6 111

Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,587 461.5 60

Coeur d'Alene, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 717 517.7 23

College Station-Bryan, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 635 277.7 361

Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 5,163 799.7 1

Columbia, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 545 315.4 316

Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,186 415.1 128

Columbus, GA-AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,277 433.1 101

Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,825 480.5 42

Concord, NH Micropolitan Statistical Area 698 476.6 45

Cookeville, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area 323 304.6 330

Corpus Christi, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,371 320.2 311

Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 977 540.3 13

Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 349 337.9 280

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 28,893 453.5 70

Dalton, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 364 255.9 376

Danville, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 377 353.8 249

Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Micropolitan Statistical Area 772 423.6 115

Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,223 322.1 307

Dayton, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,618 429.9 106

Decatur, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 484 314.6 318

Decatur, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 322 290.7 352

Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,413 487.9 38

Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 13,391 526.5 17

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,067 362.9 232

Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 15,928 370.7 220

Dothan, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 425 291.8 350

Dover, DE Metropolitan Statistical Area 912 561.9 6

Duluth, MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 974 348.1 261
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 89 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Dunn, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 305 266.0 369

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,818 360.5 238

East Liverpool-Salem, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area 382 354.2 248

East Stroudsburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 734 432.2 104

Eau Claire, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 530 328.9 297

El Centro, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 311 178.2 385

El Paso, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,331 291.1 351

Elizabethtown, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 462 385.8 183

Elkhart-Goshen, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 549 277.9 359

Enterprise-Ozark, AL Micropolitan Statistical Area 405 404.2 148

Erie, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,108 394.9 165

Eugene-Springfield, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,561 443.8 82

Eureka-Arcata-Fortuna, CA Micropolitan Statistical Area 542 402.6 151

Evansville, IN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,298 361.9 234

Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,169 559.9 8

Farmington, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 407 313.0 321

Fayetteville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,889 515.6 25

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,527 329.7 294

Flagstaff, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 548 407.7 141

Flint, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,585 372.2 215

Florence, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 655 318.6 313

Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 439 298.4 336

Fond du Lac, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 345 339.5 277

Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,433 478.3 43

Fort Smith, AR-OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 816 273.3 364

Fort Wayne, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,599 384.1 189

Fresno, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,929 314.8 317

Gadsden, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 355 339.9 275

Gainesville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,193 451.4 74

Gainesville, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 535 297.7 338

Gettysburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 361 356.0 244

Glens Falls, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 531 411.9 134

Goldsboro, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 322 262.6 370

Grand Junction, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 641 436.9 94

Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,871 370.9 218

Greeley, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 945 373.8 212

Green Bay, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,035 338.0 279

Greensboro-High Point, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,010 415.9 124

Greenville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 624 329.3 296

Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,613 410.2 137

Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 932 374.6 207

Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,239 460.4 61

Hammond, LA Micropolitan Statistical Area 437 360.9 237

Hanford-Corcoran, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 384 251.0 379

Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,316 421.5 117

Harrisonburg, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 453 361.7 235

Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,521 372.9 214

Hattiesburg, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 491 343.7 270

Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,092 298.8 335
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 90 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Hilo, HI Micropolitan Statistical Area 834 450.6 75

Hilton Head Island-Beaufort, SC Micropolitan Statistical Area 788 421.4 118

Holland-Grand Haven, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 841 318.8 312

Homosassa Springs, FL Micropolitan Statistical Area 919 650.7 2

Honolulu, HI Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,925 411.8 135

Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 484 232.5 384

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 23,411 393.7 170

Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 830 288.5 356

Huntsville, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,845 441.8 86

Idaho Falls, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 433 332.1 291

Indianapolis-Carmel, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,333 417.5 122

Iowa City, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 507 332.3 290

Ithaca, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 333 327.9 298

Jackson, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 540 337.0 283

Jackson, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,849 343.0 273

Jackson, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 414 358.7 241

Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,479 555.8 11

Jacksonville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 829 466.3 52

Jamestown-Dunkirk-Fredonia, NY Micropolitan Statistical Area 441 326.9 301

Janesville, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 622 387.9 179

Jefferson City, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 388 259.0 375

Johnson City, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 762 383.5 192

Johnstown, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 507 352.9 251

Jonesboro, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 299 247.1 381

Joplin, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 506 288.3 357

Kahului-Wailuku, HI Micropolitan Statistical Area 631 407.5 142

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,326 406.0 144

Kankakee-Bradley, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 305 268.8 366

Kansas City, MO-KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,984 392.3 172

Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 922 363.9 227

Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,880 463.9 55

Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 979 316.3 315

Kingston, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 871 477.3 44

Knoxville, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,226 462.2 58

La Crosse, WI-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 392 293.3 345

Lafayette, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 697 345.4 266

Lafayette, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 850 310.5 324

Lake Charles, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 911 456.4 66

Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 998 498.5 33

Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,392 397.3 158

Lancaster, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,809 348.3 258

Lansing-East Lansing, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,807 389.4 177

Laredo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 330 131.8 388

Las Cruces, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 706 337.4 281

Las Vegas-Paradise, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,854 505.0 29

Lawrence, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 438 395.2 164

Lawton, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 430 346.5 264

Lebanon, NH-VT Micropolitan Statistical Area 664 380.0 195

Lebanon, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 512 383.3 193
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 91 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Lewiston-Auburn, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area 362 336.1 285

Lexington Park, MD Micropolitan Statistical Area 499 474.6 48

Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,859 393.8 169

Lima, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 361 339.5 276

Lincoln, NE Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,057 349.8 256

Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,890 413.0 132

Logan, UT-ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 319 254.3 377

Longview, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 617 287.8 358

Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 353 344.7 268

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 52,493 409.2 139

Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 5,304 413.2 130

Lubbock, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 952 334.2 287

Lumberton, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 351 261.6 372

Lynchburg, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,092 432.2 103

Macon, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 853 367.2 223

Madera-Chowchilla, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 392 259.8 374

Madison, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,341 411.7 136

Manchester-Nashua, NH Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,932 482.1 41

Manhattan, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 583 458.8 64

Mansfield, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 408 327.8 299

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,072 138.4 387

Medford, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 909 447.3 78

Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 5,879 446.7 80

Merced, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 650 254.1 378

Meridian, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area 286 266.2 368

Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 25,693 461.7 59

Michigan City-La Porte, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 428 384.0 191

Midland, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 491 358.7 240

Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,289 404.2 147

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 14,003 426.9 110

Missoula, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area 444 406.2 143

Mobile, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,840 445.5 81

Modesto, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,507 292.9 346

Monroe, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 720 408.1 140

Monroe, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 508 334.2 286

Montgomery, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,595 425.9 113

Morgantown, WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 455 350.8 255

Morristown, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 433 317.0 314

Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 486 415.7 125

Muncie, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 379 322.1 308

Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 568 329.9 293

Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,664 617.9 3

Napa, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 541 396.4 161

Naples-Marco Island, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,239 385.4 184

Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,363 463.1 57

New Bern, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 527 415.6 126

New Haven-Milford, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,563 413.1 131

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,864 416.5 123

New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 73,826 390.7 175
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 92 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Niles-Benton Harbor, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 626 399.2 154

North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,656 520.6 21

Norwich-New London, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,058 386.1 181

Ocala, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,546 466.6 51

Odessa, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 498 363.2 231

Ogden-Clearfield, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,802 329.3 295

Ogdensburg-Massena, NY Micropolitan Statistical Area 298 266.2 367

Oklahoma City, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,641 370.4 221

Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,235 489.6 37

Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,686 426.0 112

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 11,156 522.7 20

Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 596 356.9 243

Ottawa-Streator, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area 458 295.7 341

Owensboro, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 338 294.5 342

Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,535 429.4 107

Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,926 538.5 14

Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 803 475.6 47

Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 500 308.5 325

Pascagoula, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 471 290.3 353

Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,328 518.5 22

Peoria, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,290 340.2 274

Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 25,800 432.5 102

Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 22,025 525.3 19

Pine Bluff, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 261 260.3 373

Pittsburgh, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 10,640 451.6 73

Pittsfield, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 463 352.8 252

Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,853 436.9 93

Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,073 403.2 149

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 11,276 506.6 27

Pottsville, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 574 387.1 180

Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,525 376.7 202

Prescott, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,181 559.6 9

Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 5,823 363.7 228

Provo-Orem, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,618 307.1 327

Pueblo, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 564 354.6 247

Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 828 517.6 24

Racine, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 770 394.0 167

Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,920 435.2 99

Rapid City, SD Metropolitan Statistical Area 426 337.1 282

Reading, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,652 401.5 153

Redding, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 770 434.5 100

Reno-Sparks, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,008 472.0 49

Richmond, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,470 514.2 26

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 16,999 402.4 152

Roanoke, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,540 498.9 32

Rochester, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 601 323.1 305

Rochester, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,917 371.5 217

Rockford, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,361 389.5 176

Rocky Mount, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 445 292.0 348
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 93 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Roseburg, OR Micropolitan Statistical Area 476 442.1 85

Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,748 453.6 69

Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 556 277.8 360

Salem, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,452 371.6 216

Salinas, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,273 306.7 328

Salisbury, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 437 349.0 257

Salisbury, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 481 347.5 263

Salt Lake City, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,218 375.2 205

San Angelo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 420 375.6 203

San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,092 377.7 200

San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 15,055 486.4 39

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 19,579 451.6 72

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,075 385.2 186

San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,185 439.5 90

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,631 384.8 187

Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,039 396.0 162

Santa Fe, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 808 560.4 7

Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,118 437.7 92

Savannah, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,621 466.3 53

Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,362 419.1 120

Seaford, DE Micropolitan Statistical Area 858 435.2 98

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 17,417 506.3 28

Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 611 442.7 83

Sheboygan, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 352 304.7 329

Sherman-Denison, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 452 373.9 211

Show Low, AZ Micropolitan Statistical Area 311 289.4 355

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,740 436.5 95

Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Micropolitan Statistical Area 725 552.0 12

Sioux City, IA-NE-SD Metropolitan Statistical Area 500 348.2 259

Sioux Falls, SD Metropolitan Statistical Area 856 375.0 206

South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,105 346.2 265

Spartanburg, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 982 345.4 267

Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,351 498.9 31

Springfield, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 739 351.6 254

Springfield, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,620 378.1 198

Springfield, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,658 379.7 196

Springfield, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 579 418.6 121

St. Cloud, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 552 291.9 349

St. George, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 548 396.8 160

St. Joseph, MO-KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 348 273.3 363

St. Louis, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 11,205 398.3 156

State College, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 459 298.1 337

Statesville-Mooresville, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 597 374.4 208

Staunton-Waynesboro, VA Micropolitan Statistical Area 486 410.1 138

Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 447 359.2 239

Stockton, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,228 325.1 303

Sumter, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 374 348.0 262

Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,741 413.7 129

Tallahassee, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,642 446.9 79
Appendix D1: Fraud and Other Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Federal Trade Commission Page 94 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. Ranking is based on the number of 

fraud and other complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and 

Budget as of December 2009 and the population estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Note: In calculating the State and Metropolitan Areas rankings, we excluded 14 state-specific data contributors’ complaints (the North Carolina and Oregon 

Departments of Justice, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Offices of the Attorneys General for 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, and Washington).

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 14,630 525.6 18

Terre Haute, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 517 299.8 334

Texarkana, TX-Texarkana, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 452 332.3 289

Thomasville-Lexington, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 442 271.4 365

Toledo, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,439 374.4 209

Topeka, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 928 396.8 159

Torrington, CT Micropolitan Statistical Area 834 439.1 91

Traverse City, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area 518 361.3 236

Trenton-Ewing, NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,598 436.0 96

Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,318 440.5 88

Tullahoma, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area 297 296.4 340

Tulsa, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,429 365.8 225

Tupelo, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area 497 364.7 226

Tuscaloosa, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 779 355.0 246

Tyler, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 808 385.3 185

Utica-Rome, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 989 330.3 292

Valdosta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 465 333.1 288

Vallejo-Fairfield, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,890 457.2 65

Victoria, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 282 244.4 382

Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 587 374.1 210

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,223 491.9 35

Visalia-Porterville, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,041 235.4 383

Waco, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 754 321.0 310

Warner Robins, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 581 415.3 127

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 33,930 607.8 4

Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 462 275.3 362

Watertown-Fort Drum, NY Micropolitan Statistical Area 489 420.7 119

Wausau, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 420 313.3 320

Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 469 423.0 116

Wheeling, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 434 293.3 344

Whitewater, WI Micropolitan Statistical Area 370 361.9 233

Wichita Falls, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 581 384.0 190

Wichita, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,355 378.0 199

Williamsport, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 394 339.3 278

Willimantic, CT Micropolitan Statistical Area 506 427.3 109

Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,624 448.2 77

Winchester, VA-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 602 468.6 50

Winston-Salem, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,925 403.0 150

Wooster, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area 359 313.5 319

Worcester, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,072 384.7 188

Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 637 261.9 371

York-Hanover, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,875 431.1 105

Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,146 379.3 197

Yuba City, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 521 312.2 322

Yuma, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 592 302.4 331
Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Federal Trade Commission Page 95 of 102 Released February 2013

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Abilene, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 105 63.5 254

Akron, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 524 74.5 184

Albany, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 329 209.1 14

Albany-Lebanon, OR Micropolitan Statistical Area 48 41.1 379

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 574 65.9 234

Albuquerque, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 947 106.8 69

Alexandria, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 111 72.1 203

Allegan, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area 50 44.9 366

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 725 88.3 126

Altoona, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 62 48.8 350

Amarillo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 158 63.2 258

Anchorage, AK Metropolitan Statistical Area 243 63.8 249

Anderson, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 76 57.7 296

Anderson, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 210 112.2 61

Ann Arbor, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 376 109.1 65

Anniston-Oxford, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 107 90.2 118

Appleton, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 80 35.5 386

Asheville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 278 65.4 239

Ashtabula, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area 72 70.9 206

Athens-Clarke County, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 226 117.4 51

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 12,992 246.6 8

Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 280 102.0 80

Auburn-Opelika, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 174 124.1 42

Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 678 121.8 44

Augusta-Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area 65 53.2 319

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,683 98.1 89

Bakersfield-Delano, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,142 136.0 35

Baltimore-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,906 107.2 68

Bangor, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area 61 39.6 384

Barnstable Town, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 153 70.9 207

Baton Rouge, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 966 120.4 46

Battle Creek, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 80 58.8 287

Bay City, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 49 45.5 364

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 684 176.0 24

Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 111 55.2 314

Bend, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 92 58.3 290

Billings, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area 88 55.7 308

Binghamton, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 125 49.7 342

Birmingham-Hoover, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,252 111.0 62

Bismarck, ND Metropolitan Statistical Area 56 51.5 335

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 84 51.5 334

Bloomington, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 65 33.7 387

Bloomington-Normal, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 106 62.5 260

Bluefield, WV-VA Micropolitan Statistical Area 54 50.3 339

Boise City-Nampa, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 438 71.0 205

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,389 74.4 186

Boulder, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 285 96.8 93

Bowling Green, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 53 42.1 377

Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 191 76.1 181
Federal Trade Commission Page 96 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 833 90.9 115

Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 402 99.0 86

Brunswick, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 122 108.6 66

Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 784 69.0 212

Burlington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 129 85.4 141

Burlington-South Burlington, VT Metropolitan Statistical Area 119 56.3 304

Canton-Massillon, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 246 60.8 271

Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,810 292.5 4

Cedar Rapids, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 136 52.7 322

Chambersburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 70 46.8 358

Champaign-Urbana, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 139 59.9 282

Charleston, WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 181 59.5 283

Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 604 90.9 114

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,898 108.0 67

Charlottesville, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 132 65.5 238

Chattanooga, TN-GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 429 81.2 159

Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 11,128 117.6 49

Chico, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 247 112.3 60

Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,634 76.7 177

Clarksville, TN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 274 100.0 84

Cleveland, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 47 40.6 381

Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,381 114.6 55

Coeur d'Alene, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 88 63.5 253

College Station-Bryan, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 175 76.5 179

Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 648 100.4 82

Columbia, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 104 60.2 279

Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 810 105.5 71

Columbus, GA-AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 607 205.9 15

Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,521 82.8 151

Concord, NH Micropolitan Statistical Area 95 64.9 242

Cookeville, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area 77 72.6 197

Corpus Christi, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 437 102.1 79

Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 294 162.6 27

Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 49 47.4 357

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,056 142.1 31

Dalton, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 120 84.4 144

Danville, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 44 41.3 378

Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Micropolitan Statistical Area 132 72.4 198

Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 243 64.0 248

Dayton, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 558 66.3 233

Decatur, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 112 72.8 195

Decatur, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 71 64.1 247

Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 880 177.9 23

Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,681 105.4 72

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 378 66.4 231

Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,085 188.2 18

Dothan, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 127 87.2 132

Dover, DE Metropolitan Statistical Area 159 98.0 90

Duluth, MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 173 61.8 265
Federal Trade Commission Page 97 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Dunn, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 93 81.1 160

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 468 92.8 107

East Liverpool-Salem, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area 52 48.2 354

East Stroudsburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 134 78.9 167

Eau Claire, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 79 49.0 346

El Centro, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 136 77.9 171

El Paso, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 823 102.8 78

Elizabethtown, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 68 56.8 300

Elkhart-Goshen, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 117 59.2 285

Enterprise-Ozark, AL Micropolitan Statistical Area 98 97.8 91

Erie, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 179 63.8 250

Eugene-Springfield, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 213 60.6 276

Eureka-Arcata-Fortuna, CA Micropolitan Statistical Area 110 81.7 154

Evansville, IN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 179 49.9 340

Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 101 48.4 352

Farmington, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 57 43.8 372

Fayetteville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 413 112.7 57

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 268 57.9 294

Flagstaff, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 115 85.6 139

Flint, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 438 102.9 77

Florence, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 158 76.9 175

Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 83 56.4 303

Fond du Lac, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 49 48.2 355

Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 230 76.8 176

Fort Smith, AR-OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 184 61.6 269

Fort Wayne, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 267 64.1 246

Fresno, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,307 140.5 32

Gadsden, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 88 84.3 145

Gainesville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 482 182.4 22

Gainesville, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 173 96.3 95

Gettysburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 49 48.3 353

Glens Falls, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 75 58.2 292

Goldsboro, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 95 77.5 173

Grand Junction, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 89 60.7 275

Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 514 66.4 229

Greeley, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 215 85.0 142

Green Bay, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 138 45.1 365

Greensboro-High Point, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 607 83.9 147

Greenville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 126 66.5 227

Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 638 100.2 83

Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 163 65.5 237

Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 166 61.7 267

Hammond, LA Micropolitan Statistical Area 126 104.0 73

Hanford-Corcoran, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 102 66.7 226

Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 375 68.2 216

Harrisonburg, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 65 51.9 329

Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 967 79.8 163

Hattiesburg, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 132 92.4 108

Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 205 56.1 305
Federal Trade Commission Page 98 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Hilo, HI Micropolitan Statistical Area 83 44.8 367

Hilton Head Island-Beaufort, SC Micropolitan Statistical Area 204 109.1 64

Holland-Grand Haven, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 141 53.4 318

Homosassa Springs, FL Micropolitan Statistical Area 228 161.4 28

Honolulu, HI Metropolitan Statistical Area 472 49.5 344

Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 143 68.7 214

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,550 127.0 41

Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 155 53.9 317

Huntsville, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 399 95.5 97

Idaho Falls, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 73 56.0 306

Indianapolis-Carmel, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,640 93.4 101

Iowa City, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 81 53.1 320

Ithaca, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 52 51.2 336

Jackson, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 102 63.7 251

Jackson, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 811 150.4 29

Jackson, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 100 86.6 135

Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,562 190.4 17

Jacksonville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 118 66.4 230

Jamestown-Dunkirk-Fredonia, NY Micropolitan Statistical Area 60 44.5 369

Janesville, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 84 52.4 324

Jefferson City, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 97 64.7 244

Johnson City, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 115 57.9 293

Johnstown, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 75 52.2 326

Jonesboro, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 82 67.8 219

Joplin, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 92 52.4 323

Kahului-Wailuku, HI Micropolitan Statistical Area 63 40.7 380

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 236 72.3 201

Kankakee-Bradley, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 97 85.5 140

Kansas City, MO-KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,960 96.3 94

Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 186 73.4 190

Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 487 120.2 47

Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 207 66.9 223

Kingston, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 160 87.7 128

Knoxville, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 474 67.9 218

La Crosse, WI-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 44 32.9 388

Lafayette, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 88 43.6 374

Lafayette, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 169 61.7 266

Lake Charles, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 123 61.6 270

Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 163 81.4 155

Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,692 281.0 6

Lancaster, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 289 55.6 309

Lansing-East Lansing, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 364 78.4 170

Laredo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 230 91.9 111

Las Cruces, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 191 91.3 113

Las Vegas-Paradise, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,302 118.0 48

Lawrence, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 58 52.3 325

Lawton, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 112 90.3 117

Lebanon, NH-VT Micropolitan Statistical Area 89 50.9 337

Lebanon, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 124 92.8 106
Federal Trade Commission Page 99 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Lewiston-Auburn, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area 49 45.5 363

Lexington Park, MD Micropolitan Statistical Area 91 86.5 137

Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 271 57.4 298

Lima, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 64 60.2 280

Lincoln, NE Metropolitan Statistical Area 148 49.0 348

Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 670 95.7 96

Logan, UT-ID Metropolitan Statistical Area 68 54.2 316

Longview, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 177 82.6 153

Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 59 57.6 297

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 18,254 142.3 30

Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 868 67.6 220

Lubbock, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 190 66.7 225

Lumberton, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 119 88.7 123

Lynchburg, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 166 65.7 236

Macon, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 396 170.5 25

Madera-Chowchilla, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 126 83.5 149

Madison, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 358 63.0 259

Manchester-Nashua, NH Metropolitan Statistical Area 254 63.4 257

Manhattan, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 79 62.2 262

Mansfield, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 61 49.0 347

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 799 103.1 75

Medford, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 123 60.5 277

Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,199 167.1 26

Merced, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 231 90.3 116

Meridian, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area 75 69.8 209

Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 35,914 645.4 1

Michigan City-La Porte, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 66 59.2 286

Midland, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 90 65.8 235

Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,471 94.5 98

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,474 75.4 183

Missoula, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area 62 56.7 301

Mobile, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 386 93.5 100

Modesto, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 530 103.0 76

Monroe, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 117 66.3 232

Monroe, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 127 83.5 148

Montgomery, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 763 203.7 16

Morgantown, WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 67 51.7 331

Morristown, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 83 60.8 272

Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 76 65.0 241

Muncie, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 52 44.2 371

Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 116 67.4 221

Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 219 81.3 158

Napa, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 127 93.1 105

Naples-Marco Island, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,279 397.8 2

Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,165 73.3 192

New Bern, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 111 87.5 130

New Haven-Milford, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 724 83.9 146

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,352 115.8 54

New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 23,297 123.3 43
Federal Trade Commission Page 100 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Niles-Benton Harbor, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 184 117.3 52

North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,720 244.9 9

Norwich-New London, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area 179 65.3 240

Ocala, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 707 213.4 13

Odessa, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 71 51.8 330

Ogden-Clearfield, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 330 60.3 278

Ogdensburg-Massena, NY Micropolitan Statistical Area 57 50.9 338

Oklahoma City, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 990 79.0 165

Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 199 78.9 168

Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 579 66.9 222

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,991 233.8 10

Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 78 46.7 359

Ottawa-Streator, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area 86 55.5 313

Owensboro, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area 56 48.8 349

Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 759 92.2 110

Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 992 182.6 21

Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 222 131.5 40

Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 72 44.4 370

Pascagoula, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area 132 81.4 156

Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 522 116.3 53

Peoria, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 221 58.3 291

Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 7,216 121.0 45

Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 4,931 117.6 50

Pine Bluff, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 71 70.8 208

Pittsburgh, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,574 66.8 224

Pittsfield, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 73 55.6 310

Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,156 272.6 7

Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area 272 52.9 321

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,552 69.7 210

Pottsville, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area 90 60.7 273

Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 466 69.5 211

Prescott, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 170 80.6 162

Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,302 81.3 157

Provo-Orem, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 223 42.3 376

Pueblo, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 154 96.8 92

Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 353 220.7 11

Racine, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 140 71.6 204

Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 939 83.1 150

Rapid City, SD Metropolitan Statistical Area 79 62.5 261

Reading, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 365 88.7 122

Redding, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 128 72.2 202

Reno-Sparks, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area 422 99.2 85

Richmond, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,107 88.0 127

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 5,649 133.7 38

Roanoke, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 170 55.1 315

Rochester, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 106 57.0 299

Rochester, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 780 74.0 188

Rockford, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 310 88.7 121

Rocky Mount, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 136 89.2 119
Federal Trade Commission Page 101 of 102 Released February 2013

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Roseburg, OR Micropolitan Statistical Area 48 44.6 368

Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,438 113.4 56

Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 174 86.9 133

Salem, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area 217 55.5 312

Salinas, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 352 84.8 143

Salisbury, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area 81 64.7 245

Salisbury, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 77 55.6 311

Salt Lake City, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 697 62.0 264

San Angelo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 71 63.5 255

San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,117 98.8 87

San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,046 98.4 88

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,032 139.1 33

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,711 93.1 104

San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 239 88.6 124

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 377 88.9 120

Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 279 106.3 70

Santa Fe, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 162 112.4 59

Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 417 86.2 138

Savannah, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 637 183.3 20

Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 488 86.6 136

Seaford, DE Micropolitan Statistical Area 131 66.4 228

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 3,010 87.5 131

Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 255 184.7 19

Sheboygan, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 46 39.8 383

Sherman-Denison, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 90 74.5 185

Show Low, AZ Micropolitan Statistical Area 82 76.3 180

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area 313 78.5 169

Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Micropolitan Statistical Area 115 87.6 129

Sioux City, IA-NE-SD Metropolitan Statistical Area 84 58.5 289

Sioux Falls, SD Metropolitan Statistical Area 100 43.8 373

South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 232 72.7 196

Spartanburg, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 216 76.0 182

Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 372 78.9 166

Springfield, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 152 72.3 200

Springfield, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 531 76.6 178

Springfield, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area 265 60.7 274

Springfield, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 80 57.8 295

St. Cloud, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area 72 38.1 385

St. George, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area 81 58.6 288

St. Joseph, MO-KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 81 63.6 252

St. Louis, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area 2,225 79.1 164

State College, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 62 40.3 382

Statesville-Mooresville, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 117 73.4 191

Staunton-Waynesboro, VA Micropolitan Statistical Area 59 49.8 341

Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 58 46.6 360

Stockton, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 929 135.6 36

Sumter, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area 108 100.5 81

Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 394 59.5 284

Tallahassee, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,060 288.5 5
Federal Trade Commission Page 102 of 102 Released February 2013

Appendix D2: Identity Theft Consumer Complaints 

by Largest Metropolitan Areas (in alphabetical order)1

January 1 – December 31, 2012

Metropolitan Area Complaints

Complaints Per 

100,000 Population Rank

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 9,805 352.3 3

Terre Haute, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 89 51.6 332

Texarkana, TX-Texarkana, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area 93 68.4 215

Thomasville-Lexington, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 101 62.0 263

Toledo, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 507 77.8 172

Topeka, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 173 74.0 189

Torrington, CT Micropolitan Statistical Area 129 67.9 217

Traverse City, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area 74 51.6 333

Trenton-Ewing, NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 342 93.3 102

Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,012 103.2 74

Tullahoma, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area 56 55.9 307

Tulsa, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area 724 77.2 174

Tupelo, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area 77 56.5 302

Tuscaloosa, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 194 88.4 125

Tyler, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 192 91.6 112

Utica-Rome, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area 145 48.4 351

Valdosta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 305 218.5 12

Vallejo-Fairfield, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 574 138.9 34

Victoria, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 60 52.0 328

Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 172 109.6 63

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,558 93.2 103

Visalia-Porterville, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 328 74.2 187

Waco, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 141 60.0 281

Warner Robins, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 187 133.7 39

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,275 112.4 58

Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area 80 47.7 356

Watertown-Fort Drum, NY Micropolitan Statistical Area 57 49.0 345

Wausau, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area 180 134.3 37

Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 55 49.6 343

Wheeling, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 64 43.3 375

Whitewater, WI Micropolitan Statistical Area 47 46.0 362

Wichita Falls, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 96 63.4 256

Wichita, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area 504 80.9 161

Williamsport, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 84 72.3 199

Willimantic, CT Micropolitan Statistical Area 73 61.6 268

Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 300 82.8 152

Winchester, VA-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area 67 52.2 327

Winston-Salem, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 350 73.3 193

Wooster, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area 53 46.3 361

Worcester, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area 518 64.9 243

Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area 211 86.7 134

York-Hanover, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 401 92.2 109

Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area 390 68.9 213

Yuba City, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 156 93.5 99

Yuma, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 143 73.1 194

1This chart illustrates Metropolitan Areas (Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas) with a population of 100,000 or more. 

Ranking is based on the number of identity theft complaints per 100,000 inhabitants for each Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan

Areas presented here are those defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of December 2009 and the population 

estimates are based on the 2010 U.S. Census table P1 of Summary File 1.
Federal Trade Commission

ftc.gov