Identity thefts increase in Illinois during pandemic Unmute NORMAL (WEEK) - If you've been the target of identity theft, you're not alone, these crimes are increasing in Illinois. Since the pandemic began, there have been more than five times the number of reported identity thefts just in our state. That puts Illinois at the fifth largest increase in identity theft in the country. So, how can you protect yourself? Cyber Security Professor Dr. Shaoen Wu at Illinois State University says it's a simple start. "Maybe change your password or even your user ID maybe a few months. Rather than keep that for years," said Dr. Shaoen Wu.