ID theft No. 1 FTC complaint in 2009

A recent Federal Trade Commission report does not surprise Florence police Sgt. Cliff Billingsley.

The report reveals identity theft is again the nation's top consumer complaint.

The recent commission report states the agency received 278,078 complaints of identity theft in 2009.

That represents 21 percent of all complaints to the commission. The next-highest complaint, third-party and creditor-debt collection, was a distant 9 percent.

Billingsley, who used to handle white-collar crime for the police department, still gives talks about identity theft to businesses and other groups.

"I still see the problem from working the streets," he said. "It's definitely still a major problem here."

Christie Yeiser, executive director of the Better Business Bureau of the Shoals, said it's important for consumers to maintain awareness about the problem.

"You need to take a proactive approach to it," Yeiser said. "Minimize the identification information you carry with you. Carry your Social Security card only if you need it that day."

According to 2008 FTC figures, the agency received 4,342 complaints from Alabama residents. The largest percentage of complaints - 32 percent - was fraud involving government documents or benefits.

Most of that 32 percent dealt with a fraudulent tax return that was filed, according to the FTC.

Roughly one-fourth of all complaints in Alabama and nationwide come from the 20- to 29-year-old age group, according to the FTC.

Officials say people are more aware of identity theft these days.
 timesdaily