Survey: More adults report personal data theft

Washington, D.C. – A rising percentage of online U.S. adults report experiencing breaches of their personal data. According to newly released data from the Pew Research Center, 18% of online adults have had important personal information stolen, such as their Social Security Number, credit card, or bank account information.



That’s an increase from the 11% who reported personal information theft in July 2013. In addition, 21% of online adults said they had an email or social networking account compromised or taken over without their permission. The same number reported this experience in a July 2013 survey. Internet users have become more worried about the amount of personal information available about them online. Fifty percent reported this concern in January 2014, up from 33% in 2009.