Twenty percent of Americans responding to a survey say they have been victim to identity fraud or theft, according to a survey released by The Cubb Group of Insurance Companies.

The Warren, N.J.-based insurer also reported that 95 percent of the 1,850 people surveyed said they are concerned that someone might fraudulently impersonate them to ruin their credit standing and put them in debt.

The percentage of concerned Americans is up almost 20 percent from 2000, Chubb.

With respect to actual victims of fraud, Chubb said that 27 percent of respondents reported that their credit card, or that of a family member, was fraudulently used to charge purchases. That figure is up from 19 percent in 2000.

Twenty-seven percent also said they or a family member experienced the theft of a purse or wallet, while 8 percent experienced fraudulent checks written on their or a family member's checking account.

"The survey demonstrates not only the increased threat of identity theft but also the increased concern felt by consumers," said Dan McCabe, vice president of Chubb & Son and marketing manager for Chubb Personal Insurance, in a statement.

"People need to be more protective of their personal information, particularly with whom and how they share it, whether online, over the phone or in person," he said.

Other notable survey results were:

o Eighty-seven percent of respondents want companies that fail to adequately protect the confidential customer information to be required by law to pay to restore consumers' credit ratings–with 65 percent calling for fines of these companies and 63 percent wanting these companies charged with a crime.

o Seventy-eight percent of respondents would give their Social Security number to a credit card company when applying for an account; 54 percent of people would give it to an auto dealer when establishing credit, 37 percent to a phone company when establishing service, and 53 percent to a college or other educational institution.

o Sixty-four percent of respondents have disclosed confidential information online or by telephone in the past six months.

Impulse Research of Los Angeles conducted the survey in May 2005 for Chubb.

Chubb provides free identity theft coverage to its homeowners insurance customers in most states, the company noted.

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