Identity Theft
Identity theft is rampant and disastrous to society. According to RSA Security Inc. "Reported incidents increased 73% from 2001 to 2002 and accounted for 43% of the complaints fielded by the FTC." Authorities believe the problem will get worse before it gets better.
Identity theft enables perpetrators to commit their acts of crime, without raising suspicion and makes it more difficult to track and prosecute them. Identity theft is also common amongst terrorists.
It has become common to authenticate a person by his/her password on entering a site. Passwords are easy to steal, and allow a criminal access to confidential information online.
Certain viruses or worms have the ability to place keyloggers onto a person's PC. These key loggers automatically send information home to the virus writer, revealing passwords and other personal information, to facilitate crimes.
So, what does this mean to you as a consumer? In summary, it ruins your credit reputation, and it costs you to regain credibility.
How do they steal your identity?
They get hold of your information by :
- By stealing your wallet with all your credit and bank cards.
- Stealing your mail.
- Going through your trash for documents which have not been shredded.
- Stealing information off the Internet.
How do they use this stolen information?
- They can open new accounts in your name.
- They can acquire a number of services (example : Internet service).
- Write bad checks.
- Steal your money out of your bank account or run up substantial debt in your name.
Although if a thief wants your identity to commit a crime, there are ways to minimize your risk.
- Obtain a credit report at least once a year.
- Keep your pin codes or passwords in a safe place.
- Don't give passwords out either in email or on the phone.
- Don't leave personal information lying around at home or at work.
- Shred or burn all documents which may contain any personal information.
- When exchanging info online, ensure that the lock icon at the bottom of your browser is present.
What to do if you fall victim to identity fraud.
- Alert the credit bureaus.
- Obtain credit reports to establish any fraudulent purchases etc.
- Obtain an ID theft affidavit from FTC or ask the company if they have an affidavit of some kind.
- Report fraud with your local police.
For further information, visit IDTheft
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