Student and Non-Student Awareness of Identity Theft
This article was written by John Winterdyk and Nikki Thompson for the Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice. It is titled “Student and non-student awareness of identity theft,” and encompasses the rising concern of identity theft. The article, subsequently, continues to reveal the increasing number of identity fraud cases throughout the United States and Canada over the last decade, with particular focus on the susceptibility of young adults. Moreover, it measures the awareness about the nature, extent, risk and effects of identity theft and a variety of fraudulent behaviors among university students and non-students. The intended purpose of the article is to demonstrate how oblivious society is to the procedure and effects of identity theft. Winterdyk and Thompson begin the article by providing a statistical analysis of the frequency of identity theft. They discuss the increasing media attention regarding identity theft, its role in smuggling undocumented migrants and its ties with organized crime. It is described as “one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes,” with nearly 10% of Canadians being victims of such theft at some point in their lives. The article continues to inform the intended audience of the ways identity theft is commonly performed.
The Term Paper on Identity Theft 2
Identity theft is a major crime that happens to millions of people every year. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months and years trying to clean up the mess the thieves have made of a good name and credit record. There are many different types of identity theft and ways to deal with it. Identity theft is very serious and stolen identities are used to commit many other crimes. ...
The first form of identity theft is stealing other people’s identification information through physical means. A second form of identity theft involves using another person’s identifying information in order to illegally establish a financial account in that person’s name. The third form discussed is electronic hijacking of another person’s existing account. Lastly, the authors identify the fourth category of identity theft which involves creating a fictitious identity using the information of a deceased person or through other surreptitious means. After identification and explanation of the many forms of identity theft, Winterdyk and Thompson continue to discuss the means by which laws have been implemented to control the problem of identity theft. The Canadian Criminal Code outlines 30 different offences including: personation, forged passports, forging using credit cards, interception of information, conspiracy and forging documents. The article is then concluded by an analysis of those who are most commonly affected by identity theft. Young adults between the ages of 18-20 are most susceptible to identity fraud. Within this age group, students were found to disclose more personal information (I.e SIN numbers) then non-students.
However, interestingly students tend to use secure websites more often to perform transactions compared to non-students. In my opinion the argument is completely validated and the author provides adequate reasoning and evidence to support his argument. I completely agree that most of society is minimally informed of the different forms of identity theft. They are unacquainted with pre-emptive measures and are unaware of identity theft’s role in illegal immigration and organized crime. This article is significant as it can effortlessly be connected with course material. Primarily, identity theft is an illegal crime, thus it is a wrongful act that the State recognizes as deserving of control and punishment in the interests of society as a whole. Thus, in order to preserve the rule of law, the foundation of our democratic society, we must prosecute these actions. Due to the difficulty involved in catching these criminals, it is efficient for the State to provide ample instruction on how to lessen one’s chances of being a victim of identity theft. By doing so it fulfills its purpose as a criminal law, which is the Protection of Society. Moreover, because it is a Criminal Code offence, the actus reus and mens rea must be examined in all circumstances. The actus reus would be the actual use—whatever form that takes—of the other person’s identity for fraudulent purposes. With mens rea the defendant must intend to use another person’s identity for fraudulent purposes. Moreover, identity fraud is an increasing issue in Canadian society. It causes many people significant amounts of money, it is used to hide illegal immigrants and is used by criminal organizations for purposes of laundering money. In the end, the government can only do so much to protect its citizens. People will always find ways to get around laws and thus as citizens we must be informed of how we can reduce our vulnerability as victims.
The Term Paper on Identity Theft Credit Card
Identity Theft With the public emergence and worldwide explosion of the internet, Identity theft has become one of the most rapidly increasing crimes. What was once a personal crime requiring criminals to have some form of contact with the victim, if nothing more than rummaging through the trash, can now be done from as close as next door or as far away as across the world. No one is exempt from ...
Winterdyk, John, and Nikki Thompson. “Student and non-student perceptions and awareness of identity theft.” Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice 50.2 (2008): 153+. CPI.Q (Canadian Periodicals).
Web. 31 Jan. 2010. .
CLN 4U: Critical Article Analysis:
Student and Non-Student Awareness of Identity Theft
Julian DeGasperis
Mr. Lee
February 1st, 2010
