Many of us do not think twice about giving our credit card number or personal information over the internet. But after reading this, you’ll probably change the way you interact online. identity theft is a form of stealing someone’s identity in which someone pretends to be someone else by assuming that person’s identity, usually to access personal information or obtain credit and other benefits in that person’s name. The theft occurs when someone uses another’s personally identifying information, like their name, identifying number, or credit card number, without their permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The History of Identity Theft Online
Identity theft is not new, criminals have been taking advantage of peoples trust and lack of knowledge for centuries. Before the internet the personal information used in identity theft could be obtained in ways as easy as sorting through the potential targets trash. With the birth of the internet and the electronic exchange of personal information came the birth of the internet criminals. Some of the first reported cases of online theft happened in the mid-1990s when the web was still in its infantsy. Since then it has grown at an alarming rate and today identity theft is considered a major part of the worldwide criminal economy.
How to protect yourself from it?
What Is Identity Theft Online And How Do I Prevent It!
The Essay on Identity Theft Information Credit Fraud
The topic I picked was Identity theft. Identity theft is a serious crime in today's world. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Once the identity thief has your personal information, there are many things they can do ...
Identity theft online normally comes in the form of a phishing scam and is regarded as one of the major criminal threats to internet users. A Phishing scam is when you are tricked into giving out personal information from a fake trusted site. An example of this would be if you received an official looking email from your bank or credit card company that directs you to a site made to look like the legit webpage. They will then ask you for your password and login details or require you to update your personal information.
An online criminal only needs a small amount of your personal information to commit identity theft. A password to your online banking will give them access not only to your money, but also to your name and address, date of birth, and social security number. With that information they can apply for loans, credit cards, checking accounts, and even get a driver’s license or passport. They are assuming your identity and ruining both your finances and good name. Unfortunately it is only possible to become aware of your identity theft after it’s too late!
