ID Theft Is On The Rise--Protect Your Identity This Holiday Season

WORCESTER, Mass., Nov. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, millions of shoppers are gearing up to kick-off the 2012 holiday shopping season. And, with identity theft on the rise, The Hanover Insurance Group offers suggestions for holiday shoppers to take to protect their identity.

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Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country now accounting for more than 15 million victims per year, and costs Americans whose identities have been victimized an average of $3,500. In addition, there is the frustration and time spent to reset personal credit information as a result of identity theft.

"As shoppers get excited about holiday gifts and bargains, it's easy to forget that there are people out there waiting to take advantage of what should be a joyful season," said Mark Desrochers, president, personal lines insurance at The Hanover. "Because of the emotional and financial impact identity theft can have on an individual and their family, we thought it was important to offer some tips to help avoid identity theft."