Experian-Gallup Personal Credit Index Shows 18 Percent of Consumers Report Being Victims of Identity Theft

The poll also finds some significant regional differences. Only 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively, of consumers in the Midwest and South report being victimized, compared with 20 percent and 26 percent, respectively, of consumers in the East and West.

About two-thirds of consumers who have not experienced identity theft say it is unlikely to happen to them. Only 6 percent have purchased some form of identity theft protection, and just 4 percent have purchased identity theft insurance and checked their credit report to see if they are victims of identity theft.

Though few consumers have taken preventive action to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, 62 percent are concerned that their financial information could be stolen online. More than half also are concerned that their personal information could be stolen from the mail (55 percent) or at a retail store (53 percent), while just under half (47 percent) fear becoming a victim at a restaurant. Smaller numbers fear identity theft from their garbage (40 percent), their home (33 percent), or their work or school (25 percent).