This should come as no surprise to anyone, but people in the U.S. are worried that as the economy worsens, the chances for identity fraud, particularly with regard to credit card data theft, will increase.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans believe that the global financial crisis increases their risk of identity and related fraud, according to the Unisys Security Index. 

More than two-thirds surveyed said they are extremely or very concerned about other people obtaining and using their credit and debit card data, with 90 percent at least somewhat concerned.

Credit and debit card fraud is the top security concern for people, with 68 percent saying they are extremely or very concerned. And 66 percent said they are seriously concerned about unauthorized access to or misuse of personal information.

More than 40 percent of respondents said they are extremely or very concerned about security related to viruses and unsolicited e-mail.

Overall, people are more worried about their financial security and less worried about national security than in previous surveys, according to the survey.

The survey of more than 1,000 respondents in the U.S. was conducted from February 20-22.

By Elinor Mills
CNET