Identity Theft Comes In Many Forms
by Aazdak Alisimo
Give me convenience or give me death! With our increased reliance on the convenience of the web and plastic over cash, we have opened a pandora's box in crime. In this case, Pandora is called identity theft.
Just what is identity theft? As the name suggests, it is the theft of the personal information of another. The theft would be incomplete unless the information was used for some nefarious process, and it is in many different ways.
Stolen credit cards are the most common form of identity theft, right? Nope. Misused credit card accounts are the result of the swiping of the real prize. What is the real prize? Social security numbers, the gateway to your finances.
With a social security number, an identity thief can take many financial steps. They can open multiple credit card accounts. They even apply for a loan once they establish a second address.
If you social security number is stolen, you may be shocked to learn where it turns up. Given the attitude towards illegal immigrants these days, many are trying to procure such numbers and identity theives are now selling them to them.
If your social security number is sold to an illegal immigrant, you could be in for a really nasty surprise. Why? Well, the money that person earns will be report to the IRS and it will expect taxes to be paid. When they aren't, guess who gets called?
Another area where your social security number can be misused is at the bank. The thief will open a bank account using the number. The thief then writes bad checks against the account until the bank closes it.
Finally, identity thieves need to chat by phone frequently, but why should they pay for this when you will? Yes, they use your information to buy cell phones and open new accounts with the mobile providers.
When it comes to criminal endeavors, identity theft is unique. Why? Well, theives use false addresses for the accounts they open. As a result, you have no idea you are a victim. It could be happening now and you wouldn't know!
Sooner or later, you will figure out that you have been a victim of identity theft. It may be when collectors call or when your ATM card doesn't work or when a credit card charge is rejected. Whatever the occasion, it will not be pleasant.
Some people discount identity theft because it is not a crime causing physical pain. Obviously,they have never had it happen to them. It can take months and even years to resolve it, so take steps to prevent it.
Aazdak Alisimo writes articles on identity theft for ArticlesonIdentityTheft.com. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
|
