The research firm Javelin has a new id theft study. Here's a key excerpt from the story Identity thieves turn to paper and plastic: Fraud most likely in case of lost wallet, credit card or checkbook, not online by AP reporter Eileen Alt Powell via the Albany Times Union:

James Van Dyke, president of Javelin, said in an interview that many Americans are too trusting on the phone. "In a typical situation, unsuspecting consumers receive phone calls from parties claiming to represent nonprofit organizations, billing institutions or other financial institutions," Van Dyke said. "Far too many of these consumers provide the callers with personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and credit card numbers."