Before the internet exploded onto the scene, identity theft was a mostly localized crime, perpetuated a few different ways. Criminals would raid garbage, steal mail, paper versions of personal details or wallets to gain information. Sometimes they would just simply peak over their victim's shoulder while they made a purchase.
In most cases, the victim knew the criminal, it was either a family member, or someone employed to do some work in their home, sometimes it was even a close friend.
That has all changed.
Individual criminals, as well as networks or cells, are able to perpetuate identity theft from anywhere in the world thanks to technology. And, it's not just computers. Coders are already playing with cell phone viruses and an eruption of privacy problems affecting cell phones, in the same way they have affected computers, is just around the corner, if not already happening.
What's more, criminals attacking from off shore have less chance of being caught by US authorities. Jurisdiction in countries located in Africa, as well as other third world areas, is a very complicated argument. The criminals associated with those areas of the world often simply disappear.
Identity Theft Protection
Keeping Personal Information Always Personal
Stealing someone's identity is actually no sweat for experienced and long-time scammers. This is why identity theft is one of the biggest issues in our society today. With just a little amount of personal information about a person , they can create damage to their finances and relationships as well.
In summary, the main causes of identity theft are these:
- Lost or Stolen Wallet or Check Book etc
- Dumpster Diving
- Mail Theft
- Family or Friends
- Impostor Scams
- Unsecured Documents Taken by a Tradesperson, babysitter or other person with access to the home.
- Online or internet
- As mentioned at the start of this article, the pervasiveness of the internet has changed the identity theft landscape. Previously, identity theft in the United States was inherently a result of criminals located in the US.
Prevention is always the greatest way. Keep your wallet safe and other number combinations private.
KNOWLEDGE CENTER
- History of Identity Theft
- A Look at identity Theft Statistics
- Credit Monitoring: Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
- Understanding Identity Theft: How an ID Thief Gets Your Information
- Phishing Scams: Understanding and Protecting yourself
- Identity Theft and Your Rights
- The Internet and Identity Theft: What You Must Need to Know
- Preventing Identity Theft: Protecting Personal Information
- Common Identity Theft Scams
- Suspicious Signs and Signals
- A Look at Credit Card Fraud: Identity Theft In the 21st Century
IDENTITY THEFT LINKS
- » IRS-Identity Theft
- » Better Business Bureau
- » Internet Crime Complaint Center
- » National Check Fraud Center
- » US Postal Inspection Service
- » TransUnion
- » Experian
- » Equifax