Victims of identity theft numbered an estimated 3.6 million in 2004, according to a new report by the Justice Department.

Earlier studies by the Federal Trade Commission estimated 9.3 million such victims in 2004 and 10.1 million in 2003.

The Justice Department said the different results could be attributed to different data collection methods, time considered and counting methods.

The disparity of seven million lead the AP to headline the story, “Government Report Finds Fewer ID Theft Victims.”

[via AP Newswire] (Thanks to Andrew!)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.