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Protecting Your Name: A Survey of Montanans on Identity Theft

Montanans seek greater protection from identity theft. More than a quarter (26%) of respondents to a recent AARP survey of registered voters in Montana say that they or someone they know have been the victim of identity theft within the last five years. Survey findings include:

  • Over half of registered voters in Montana are extremely or very concerned about becoming the victim of identity theft through someone getting access to their bank or checking accounts or through someone gaining access to their personal information.

  • Almost eight in ten (78%) voters support security freeze legislation in Montana, although support falls sharply if credit bureaus are permitted to charge fees for setting up and lifting a security freeze. Such legislation allows individuals to prohibit access to their credit reports without their prior consent.

  • Seven in ten (71%) Montana voters say it is important for Montana to strengthen laws and regulations that protect consumers from identity theft.

  • Nearly three in ten (29%) voters say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate for political office if he or she supported enacting security freeze legislation.

The present report is based on data from a telephone survey of 800 registered Montana voters. It was conducted by Alan Newsman Research from January 19 through January 25, 2006. The survey has a sampling error of +/- 3.1%.

The report was written by Erica Dinger and Jennifer Sauer, both of AARP Knowledge Management. For more information, contact Erica Dinger at 202-434-6176. (20 pages)