STATS

STATS

Reported phishing attacks totaled over 31,000 globally in 2004. That number is expected to reach over 86,000 in 2005.
TowerGroup, Phishing Report
The average consumer spent approximately $80.45 on gift cards last year. Overall, consumers spent about $17.3 billion on gift cards in the 2004 holiday season - up $100 million from last year.National Retail Federation, Press Release
It is estimated that identity theft occurs 27,118 times per day, 1,130 times per hour, and 19 times per minute in the United States.Federal Trade Commission
Credit cards are now considered the most lucrative segment of banking. 144 million Americans now have at least one general-purpose credit cards. About 40% of cardholders pay in full each month without incurring any fees or charges.New York Times, 11/21/04
The typical household has eight credit cards with $7,500 on them.Ibid
Holiday spending in 2004 was expected to exceed $15 billion - an increase of approximately 26% over the 2003 season.ComScore Networks, www.comscore.com
About 48% of home equity lines of credit change when the prime rate changes. The majority of those that change (78%) are based on prime rate in the WSJ, plus a spread over that index.Consumer Bankers Association 2004 Home Equity Loan Study. www.cbanet.org
The average amount outstanding on lines of credit as of June 30, 2004, was almost exactly the same as it was a year ago - $36,427 in 2004; $36,602 in 2003.Ibid.
The average amount of line of credit approvals in 2004 was $77,526; 12% over 2003's average of $69,513. Average household income was $76,467, down from 2003's $80,829. And the average appraised home value for new home equity loans was $246,772 in 2004 and $249,598 in 2003. The average credit score for approved customers was 726.Ibid.

Copyright © 2005 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 14, No. 12, 1/05