Identity theft is a big problem in New Jersey. That’s the finding of a recent study by the personal finance website WalletHub. No surprise that this often happens when we aren’t careful with the computer.
“One of the most common forms of fraud out there is the internet, whether it’s clicking on a suspicious link or sending over sensitive information via an unsecured email or website,” said Chip Lupo, an analyst for WalletHub.
“New Jersey is tied for first with two other states, North Carolina and Utah, for the average amount of loss as a result of identity theft,” said Lupo. “That amount is $63, 183, a staggering number.” The smallest loss was in Montana, about $2300.
New Jersey has laws designed to protect people from identity theft, but Lupo said that many times it’s just a matter of someone not being careful with the internet.
“They do have on the books an identity theft passport program. This is what more or less protects you from arrest or litigation for any crimes committed as a result of identity theft,” he said.
New Jersey also has a law that allows parents to place security freezes on minors’ credit reports.