Your identity can be bought for as little as $1,192.58, a new study from Reviews.org shows. Scammers who steal identities and private information through data breaches sell the private information on the dark web, a collection of encrypted websites accessible only through special browsers.
And while you may be at more risk for identity theft depending on where you live, the danger doesn't necessarily break down into regional categories, the study notes.
“With crime data, we’ve often noticed regional or population-based patterns that cause one state to have more crimes than another,” Reviews.org notes in its study. “But identity theft likelihood is a bit scattered. While certain states are at higher risk than others, there doesn’t seem to be a countrywide region or population-based pattern.”
Nevada has the highest reports of identity theft and personal data breaches in the country, according to the study. Iowa has the fewest reports of these crimes.
Take steps to keep your personal data safe. For example, use a virtual private network to access the internet so that your information is encrypted. Also, review this cybersecurity checklist from the National Association of REALTORS® to ensure you’re taking the necessary steps to keep yourself and your business safe from a breach.
Source: “Identity Theft Report: The Cost of Your Identity on the Dark Web,” Reviews.org (June 16, 2020)
