The number of identity theft victims in 2010 dropped 28 percent, yet individuals lost more on average than ever before, suggesting that attackers techniques are getting more sophisticated. Annual fraud was down to from $56 billion in 2009 to $37 billion in 2010, according to a survey on consumer fraud released by Javelin Strategy & Research. New account fraud, when a new account is opened without the victim s understanding, reaped $17 billion, more than any other type of fraud.
Source: https://threatpost.com/identity-theft-down-losses-020811/74920/