Last year, 15.4 million American victims of identity theft lost $16 billion, an increase in both victims and losses from the previous year, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. PhotoJanis Barbour said her Social Security number was used to fraudulently file taxes in Ohio. Her credit card details were stolen in data breaches at Target and Home Depot, she said. Ms. Barbour, a retired marketing researcher, said she has never had a physical credit card or Social Security card stolen. “Initially, it’s really terrifying, especially having your Social Security number taken,” said Mr. Harwood, who noticed a mysterious attempt to transfer $1,000 from his bank account.

Source: New York Times September 09, 2017 15:45 UTC