IDENTITY THEFT ? CAUSE, PREVENTION, AND EFFECT
INTRODUCTION
A major growing problem within the United States is identity theft. Identity theft is the stealing and use of someone's personal information used primarily for monetary gain. I will elaborate on how identity theft occurs and I will describe what criminals can do with the information they obtain. I will also explain some of the prevention plans that companies have put into place to protect themselves and discuss how individuals can protect themselves as well. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that ten million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2002. 27.3 million Americans have been victims of some form of identity theft from 1998 to 2003. In 2004, merchandise and services obtained by identity theft perpetrators exceeded $52 billion. Identity theft is currently the fastest growing crime according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (Hamilton, Trethewey, Urrico)
WAYS IDENTITY THIEVES CAN OBTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION:
A criminal can obtain personal information on another person in many ways. "Dumpster Diving" is a method perpetrators use by going through a person's garbage, communal dumpsters, or trash bins. These criminals can obtain copies of checks, credit card statements, bank statements, receipts, and carbons. The criminal will search for anything bearing your name, address, telephone number, and social security number. (Collins)
Another way identity thieves can obtain information is through "Shoulder Surfing". This is a method perpetrators use by looking over an individual's shoulder while in a checkout lane and memorizing the information on a check or a credit card. The perpetrator can al ...