Identity Theft by Definition
According to the recent statistical reports of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as well as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft still tops their list of criminal cases and consumer problems (more than 40% of identified consumer problems in 2001).
In today’s new technology, identity theft has just grown bigger — and better. Identity thieves have taken the chance of employing the emergence of new technology to further advance their way of stealing identities from their victims.
No wonder why the number of identity theft victims continues to grow each year, bringing millions of people to unwanted bills, and unanticipated debts.
Statistical reports show that more than 400,000 Americans are being robbed annually and their credit history damaged more than ever.
By definition, identity theft is one way of stealing one’s identity and using them for personal financial gain, thus, leaving the victim as the sore loser.
And sadly, anyone can be a victim. Even children have been targeted. Seniors are especially popular victims because they’ve spent their whole lives building great reputations and gathering assets. So they have the trust of creditors. That’s why criminals love to victimize seniors.
Identity theft happens when somebody gains access to your personal information, such as acquiring your name, address, social security number, or even email address, and use them as their gate pass to your financial accounts.
As soon as identity thieves get hold of your personal information, they can easily use your credit card account to purchase things without you knowing it. The only time you will realize you have been a victim of identity theft is when you already receive your billing statement charging you with the purchases you have not even made.
Identity thieves have different ways of acquiring one’s personal information. Here is a list of some of the most common means of stealing identities:
- Obtaining Personal Data Online
- Taking Mails From Your Mailboxes Without Permission
- Email Spamming
- Use of High-tech Gadgets
What do spam, phishing, and identity theft have in common? All of them are used in getting access to one’s personal information.
It is so easy to gain access to one’s personal information online. Getting your email address is already one way of stealing your personal information from you.
Identity thieves frequent mailboxes as well. This is one of the best places to get access to personal information. Identity thieves may even rummage your trash just to get hold of your personal data.
You get unsolicited emails requiring you to key in your name, address, telephone number, or even just your email address in exchange of some “good transactions.” The real truth is that there are no good transactions because all they need is your personal information.
With the growth of modern devices, stealing information has become easier and simpler. There had been reports that camera cell phones are already used in acquiring information from credit card holders. They use these devices to get a snap of the victim’s credit card, where the name and number are printed.
Perhaps our best hope is technology. If people can get used to guarding their personal information, they won’t be such easy prey.
Hence, beware of people who are standing next to you and with camera cell phones on hand. You never know what they were up to.
Indeed, identity theft is a crime, but it can be avoided. Unfortunately, companies and governments have not done their part consistently. They’ve accidentally posted personal data on the internet. And, as companies and governments gather more and more personal information on their customers and citizens, the more likely it is that they’ll make mistakes and give this data to those who will exploit it.
You just have to be aware of the unscrupulous people’s modus operandi. Keep in mind that knowledge is power. The more you know, the greater your chances of protecting yourself from identity theft.