Identity Thefe

Why do we give out our personal information or social security numbers to companies or people that we are not certain of?   Do you or have you ever acquired expenses you are unsure of and do not know where they came from? If this has happened you may just become a victim of identity theft.   In the United States today, identity theft is on the up rise. One out of three people have had their identity stolen.   This paper is written with a focus on the emerging problem of identity theft.   It will show ways in which this very easily committed crime can be avoided as well as the consequences of it.
What is identity theft?   According to many sources, it is defined as stealing and use of someone’s personal information without permission used primarily for monetary gain.   Unfortunately, in the United States today there have been a total of nine million Americans who have fallen victim to this kind of fraud each year. Many innocent individuals have been affected each and every day.   Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.   Identity theft is a federal crime.
There are many ways identity theft can occur.   Dumpster diving is one way in which a thief rummage through trash looking for bills or other papers with your personal information on it.   In this way, criminals can obtain copies of checks, credit card statements, bank statements, and receipts.   Skimming is another way in which they steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.   Phishing occurs when they pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.   Identity theft can just occur from old fashioned stealing.   Your wallet or purse is stolen, mail, bank and credit card statements, checks or tax information. Just looking over an...