ID Theft ALERT

Research shows that ID theft is soaring in the U.S. because ID thieves are increasingly targeting individuals living in rural communities. Identity fraud hot spots include the cities of Springfield, IL; and Bozeman and Missoula, MT. In fact, Montana makes multiple appearances in the top ten list: at number four with Whitefish, five with Lolo, seven with Hamilton and eight with Bigfork. Bismarck, ND, takes the number six slot, with Grand Forks and Fargo, also both in North Dakota, taking the ninth and tenth positions. The U.S. counties that emerged as hot spots in the last year include 13 counties in North Dakota and seven counties in Montana. Research also shows that in general identity fraud rates are increasing in the upper Midwest, Northern California, Utah, Nevada and Maine. Identity fraud rates appear to be decreasing in the Southern U.S. and staying consistent in such areas as Southern California, the Mexican border of Texas and in cities like Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR.

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