We need to get the facts straight about identity theft and the Internet and stop scaring consumers away from the antidote to a $47 billion national problem.

A consumer stands a greater chance of being struck by lightning than falling prey to identity theft after paying a bill online. In fact, individuals actually reduce their overall risk of identity theft when they participate in some online monetary transactions.

But as electronic transactions proliferate, consumers will naturally want to weigh the benefits against the risks. And to be sure, identity theft is growing. The Federal Trade Commission pegs it as the nation’s fastest-growing crime. Still, it’s no exaggeration to say the misperception is one of the main reasons consumers are staying away from all types of electronic commerce.