How does identity theft happen? Who knows?

[img_assist|nid=7693|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=67]Identity theft goes on its plague in many forms. It is very common today to think that identity theft is made mainly over the Internet and computers with the use of sophisticated technologies and tools. But as it turns out in fact more often it involves physical methods such as a stolen or lost wallet, a burglarized mailbox or someone you know ripping you off.

There are a lot of concerns at present time about the possibility of identity theft when purchasing online but according to a survey by Javelin Strategy & Research Inc., a Pleasanton, Calif., consulting firm for the financial-services and payments industries, a stolen or lost wallet is more common and likely course of events.

The 2008 survey revealed that out of three identity theft victims one knows how it happened and more than ¾ of the latter said that a physical method was used. It involved a stolen wallet, a phone or mail-order sale, stolen mail, or a theft by someone they knew. And only 14% stated that they were defrauded online.

"We are not saying [online access and data breaches] are not significant factors," says James Van Dyke, Javelin's president and founder. "But the point is that it has really been overblown. I think it is to the detriment of consumers to focus exclusively on these electronic methods of communication."

In view of all mentioned above consumers are advised to proactively shield themselves against identity theft. Among the tools to protect yourselves are not mailing paper checks or by making sure your computer's antivirus software is current. In addition you should monitor financial-account activity to determine whether you have become a victim of identity theft.

The highest number of identity-theft complaints accounts for California where 43,892 cases were filed last year. Furthermore the country's second-highest rate of per-capita identity theft, with 120 complaints filed per 100,000 people also fell to California's lot.

The statewide list was topped by Arizona, with 137 complaints per 100,000 people.

The country's highest level of identity-theft complaints among the country's 50 largest metro areas was detected in a California region better known for its vineyards, Napa County.