Identity Theft
“Identity theft occurs when someone uses…personally identifying information, like…name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without…permission, to commit fraud or other crimes” (Federal, 2007, para 1). Identity theft is the “nation’s fastest growing crime according to FBI statistics and identity theft/fraud is the fastest-growing category of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints” (University of Oklahoma, 2004), para 1). Approximately 9 million Americans have either been a victim or have known a victim of identity theft (Federal, 2007, para 2). This paper will examine results from three identity theft and email phishing quizzes required for this class, what people should know about identity theft, and how identity theft commonly occurs.
Test results
The first quiz completed was the “Identity Theft IQ Test”. I scored what I would consider a remarkable score of 40. The questions I failed were those about pre-approved credit offers, not having a secured mailbox, and carrying my veteran’s identification and social security cards with me at all times. I would have scored much worse on these questions if I did not live in my present location. Living on a farm, my husband and I save a great deal of money by burning our own trash. Had this not been a common practice, my test score would have been higher due to not shredding the offers and banking statements upon receipt. After taking this quiz, I must find another way to carry my veteran’s ID and social security cards, as I am required to present these at all appointments with the Veteran’s Administration (VA) or at those authorized to provide medical care to me by the VA. This quiz score lists me in a lesser category of potential identity t ...