Internet Security & Safety

Identity Theft

Identity theft has evolved into a large issue in today's society and is defined as the crime of taking someone's personally identifying information and using it to commit fraud. With the integration of technology into daily living, thieves have become savvier and craftier with finding ways to commit identity theft.

With so many Internet, telephone and other forms of social engineering scams circulating, each year many people become victims of identity theft. Once the thief gets some basic information such as a social security number, credit card or bank account number, and usernames and passwords to personal accounts, it is very easy for them to either open credit, pilfer bank accounts or otherwise present themselves as the victim since most of this can be done over the web without ever having to make a physical appearance.

How to report identity theft

by David Riel

Identity theft is a huge problem that by now everybody has heard about. But did you know that there is a national clearing house for identity theft, and that it's operated by the Federal Trade Commission? If you've been the victim of identity theft,... More>

What is digital identity theft?

by Sarah Afshar

Imagine if a hacker tried to violate you, by attempting to get into your computer. Imagine if this hacker also attempted to collect and gather all of your information, both private and personal. Imagine having all of this information stolen, to be u... More>

Is identity theft insurance worth the money?

by Zach Grove

Identity Theft, many of us find out that someone we know or ourselves are affected by it. A big question many people as is why? Well because technology can be great but it's also filled with people who will do anything to get money. But it's also pe... More>

Trends in business identity theft

by Daniel Xiao Wang

Identity theft is a huge problem and growing by the day. Typically it is individuals who have their identity stolen and the consequences can be severe. An individual might have fraudulent credit cards or loans taken out against them, or even crimes ... More>

Identity theft schemes target kids' social security numbers

by Diamond Channing

The latest form of identity theft and on-line scams doesn't depend on stealing your personal social security number but instead the social security numbers of children. Authorities believe this is a form of identity theft that could be on a larger s... More>

How to prevent social security identity theft

by A.W. Berry

Social security numbers are vulnerable to identity theft that is preventable to an extent. Social security numbers are often public record, meaning anyone who accesses public records that have your social security number on them can acquire it. Also... More>

Additional Resources about Identity Theft

SpendonLife's Identity Theft Education
Wired.com
Article that discusses how Identity theft is now consumer's #1 complaint
IdentityTheft.com
Tips for Avoiding Identity Theft
Several articles from Helium authors that offer tips and information on avoiding identity theft

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Quick Facts

*Identity theft is currently one of the fastest growing crimes in the world

*According to Javelin Strategy and Research, almost 10 million victims were impacted by 2008, a 22% increase from 2007

*In 2006 the FTC registered more than 650,000 consumer fraud and identity theft complaints in the US (http://www.factsaboutidentitytheft.com/)

*Types of identity theft include credit card fraud, phone and utilities fraud, bank fraud, employment fraud, government document and benefits fraud, loan fraud and a category called "other" (i.e. insurance fraud)

*Dumpster diving (picking through trash) is a way identity thieves use to obtain information

*Stealing mail and rediverting it to another address is another tactic identity thieves use

*Identity thieves commonly use social engineering techniques to pilfer information from their victims either by Internet or telephone

*No one is immune to the potential of identity theft and thieves continue to come up with new techniques to steal personal information

Official Links

Identity Theft is a Crime
Official government website
Federal Trade Commission - Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
One-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
United States Department of Justice
Official US DOJ Government site on identity theft and fraud.
US Social Security Administration
SSA's Q&A page on what you can do if your social security number is compromised
Consumer.gov
OnGuard Online

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Identity Theft - Bloomberg: Your Money

In an age when your credit score determines not only the interest rate you get on loans, but everything from insurance premiums to apartment rentals to jobs, identity theft can be financially devastating. Learn how to minimize your chances of having your identity stolen, and what to do if it is.

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