Reported cases of identity theft are on the rise, increasing 22 percent in 2008 from the previous year. However, according to newly-released findings, Americans are feeling more confident that their identities are safe compared to a year ago.

This new research is part of a long-term awareness initiative called Americans' Identity Confidence Index, which gauges how consumer perceptions of identity theft and specific preemptive behaviors change over time. Through the Index, Fellowes and the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) annually survey consumers on five questions pertaining to vulnerability, and report on changes. This year, the Index jumped to 96.7, showing Americans are feeling more confident that their identities are safe compared to a year ago. This marks a three percent increase over last year (93.7). The increase in confidence over the last year is largely driven by women, whose Index score jumped seven percent or six points to 94.8 compared to 88.7 in 2008.

The survey also revealed that feelings of personal vulnerability have decreased significantly with only 56 percent of Americans believing they can be a victim of identity theft compared to 65 percent in 2008. While many Americans may feel they're protected from the crime, consumers remain aware that the threat of identity theft is real, with a majority (86 percent) believing identity theft can happen anywhere and at any time. In addition, 59 percent of Americans recognize that identity theft is a real problem versus a media hype, similar to 2008.

"While Americans' confidence surrounding identity theft are up from previous years, it's still important to practice proper safety measures to ensure the crime does not impact them," said John Fellowes, vice president and general manager, Fellowes, Inc. "Each year, this index provides valuable insights into America's thoughts and perceptions surrounding the crime, and allows us to better educate consumers on how they can prevent the crime."

Increase in Confidence Coincides With Increase In Protection Habits

Despite the fact that Americans are feeling more confident, more consumers are adopting protective measures to defend against identity theft, a crime which impacted 9.9 million people in 2008(1). In fact, the Index revealed a larger percentage of Americans are:

- Ignoring unsolicited information requests online (87 percent in 2009 compared to 81 percent in 2008)

- Withholding personal information over the phone (82 percent in 2009 compared to 75 percent in 2008)

- Keeping their Social Security card in a safe place, other than their wallet (76 percent in 2009 compared to 71 percent in 2008)

In addition, the vast majority of Americans (90 percent) say they check their bank accounts and credit card statements on a regular basis. Seventy percent report shredding their personal information, such as bank statements, old bills and tax returns after use, comparable to 2008. However, Americans are less vigilant in ordering credit reports regularly with only one in two ordering credit reports at least once every two years.

While Americans are taking extra precautions to guard their sensitive information at home, more can be done in the workplace. In the workplace, less than half (48 percent) of Americans report they personally shred documents they no longer need and only 45 percent change their computer passwords often. However, research shows more than 88 percent of data breaches in 2008 involved insider negligence.

"You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your confidential information - both at home and in the office," says Jay Foley, executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center. "Already in 2009, more than 25 percent of data breaches involved paper documents, as identified in the 2009 ITRC Breach Report. Activities such as shredding go a long way to help ensure all confidential information is safe and out of harms way."