ID theft or identity theft is a term used to refer to fraud that involves someone pretending to be someone else in order to steal money or get other benefits. The term, as well as ID theft, is relatively new and is actually a misnomer, since it is not inherently possible to steal and identity, only to use it. The person whose identity is used can suffer various consequences when he or she is held responsible for the perpetrator’s actions. In many countries specific laws make it a crime to use another person’s identity for personal gain.
Identity theft is somewhat different from identity fraud. However, the terms are often used interchangeably. Identity fraud is the result of identity theft. Someone can steal or appropriate someone’s identifying information without actually committing identity fraud. The best example of this is when a data breach occurs. There has been very little evidence to link ID fraud to data breaches. In recent years, the Internet has become an appealing place for criminals to commit online ID theft and obtain identifying data, such as passwords or even banking information. IN their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to “spam” unsolicited email that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data without realizing that in many cases, the requester has o intention of keeping his promise. In some cases, criminal reportedly have used computer technology to obtain large amounts of personal data.
The Nigerian Scam, in which someone asks for help in transferring money, is now “coming” from countries in Asia. Any email asking you to help move money for a company or person anywhere in the world should be considered a scam. Identity thieves obtain their victims’ personal information in various ways. They may steal mail from your mailbox, garbage can, look over your shoulder at the ATM machine, or steal information from your computer in a number of ways. Other thieves may use a technique called phishing, as with the Nigerian Scam, in which they send you fraudulent emails requesting personal information. ID theft statistics show that in the United States alone, over ten million people were victims of some type of identity theft.
With individual ID theft protection the strong protection against it is not to identify at all, thereby ensuring that information cannot be reused to impersonate an individual elsewhere. To protect individuals from online identity theft by phishing, hacking or zero day attacks, online consumers are advised by e-tailers to ensure their computer security and operating systems are fully up to date. Also it is vitally important for consumers to report ID theft.
If you are an ID theft victim it is advised that report the crime to your local law enforcement office, and call all of your credit card companies to let them know that you believe someone has attacked your identity. Your creditors may ask that you have an ID theft affidavit available for them to show that you have reported the crime to local law enforcement.
You can purchase ID theft insurance which will lock your credit profile down and not allow anyone to access your report or to pass on your identifying information. Check www.idtheftcenter.org for more information.
