Will there be a rise in identity theft?
 

With the recent spike in unemployment, anyone figure there is going to be a huge rise in identity theft? The reason I ask is because the following. I'm a freelance TV producer, as it is, production in Tenn is at a very slow point. My wife currently has 3 months left in her doctorate program, then she'll be working. So I've been looking for a general retail job to keep things going. Just about everyone has an online application form that requires a SS# along with all your current contact info. I can't imagine these 3rd party application programs are that secure.

Yep.

And police departments, who are stuck in the last century, are only interested in solving physical crimes. When my CC info was stolen, making a police report was simply a formality to allow me to put a watch on my credit info. I think the "case" was closed two days after I filed--in other words I think it was closed the second it was handed to the "investigator". ("File Closer" might be a more appropriate title.)

Identity theft is an easy crime with almost no risk of getting caught and even less of a chance of getting prosecuted. You only have to steal one identity to be very profitable. Law enforcement is only interested in going after the "big fish" so that they can get a headline that proves they are doing something.

When my Etrade account got hacked last year for $25K, I had to file a police report...and then put freezes on my credit with all of the 3 reporting services, Trans Union, Equifax and Experian. They gave me a 10 digit code and that is the only way that I can either see my credit report, or take down the freeze so that any credit may be opened under my name. This is the only way to protect yourself.