New Graduates May Be More Vulnerable to Fraudulent Transactions, May Need Identity Theft Protection

Recent Identity Theft study from Javelin Strategy & Research’s 2011 Identity Fraud Survey Report finds younger consumers aged 18-24 suffer the second highest in “Friendly Fraud” incidents

CHANTILLY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With high school graduations just around the corner and college graduations fading into the past, many students may not be focused on one of their most valuable and often neglected assets— their identity, according to the team behind IDENTITY GUARD® (http://www.identityguard.com/), a service of Intersections Inc., the leading provider of identity theft protection services.

"People are most vulnerable to fraud and identity theft when they are experiencing a major life change," said Joe Mason, Senior Vice President of Consumer Services for Intersections Inc. “Identity Guard's identity theft protection services alert customers to changes in their credit report and credit scores that could potentially be signs of fraud.”

With their degree in hand, most grads will be looking for employment. Many companies conduct credit checks during the hiring process to weed out candidates who have a poor credit record, even if the position does not require the handling of money. Grads may benefit from reviewing their credit reports prior to starting their job search to ensure all their information is accurate and up-to-date and that they have not unknowingly become a victim of identity theft.

Many young people are surprised to learn they are vulnerable to identity theft. In fact, a recent study from Javelin Strategy & Research’s 2011 Identity Fraud Survey Report, found that younger consumers aged 18-24 suffer the second highest in “Friendly Fraud” incidents where sensitive data is stolen by someone known to the victim.

About IDENTITY GUARD® (http://www.identityguard.com/)

IDENTITY GUARD® is a product of Intersections, a leading provider of consumer and corporate risk management services. Intersections has protected 32 million consumers worldwide since 1996. Applying the same 24/7 technology that the biggest names in financial services provide to their customers, the IDENTITY GUARD product responds to ever-increasing personal security challenges – protecting your most valuable assets – your credit and your identity. Follow Identity Guard on Twitter@IdentityG and fan Identity Guard on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/IdentityGuard.

Identity GuardLeslie Garrett, 703-234-3851
lgarrett@intersections.com

Source: Identity Guard