subject: Identity Theft- What Is It? [print this page] Identity Theft- What Is It? Identity Theft- What Is It?
Identity Theft is out of control! It's America's fastest growing crime, just recently passing the drug trade. It's a faceless, traceless, and endless crime. How serious is it? 4 out of 10 of us will be victims of identity theft. Actually, it's not if, but when you will become a victim. It's not also just about financial risk. If someone commits a crime in your name, the police can come and arrest you for something you didn't do. If someone steals your medical identity and you are brought into the emergency room, you could get the wrong medical treatment based on what's in your false records. Someone could use you social security number for tax purposes and not pay taxes. You would owe the money. People don't understand that in today's world, especially with the internet, identity isn't just their credit identity, it's everything!
So what is Identity Theft? The Federal Trade Commission defines identity theft as "when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, ssn, or credit card number without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes." This description has broadened over the years, as more incidences of identity theft come to light. It's a crime that continues to evolve as thieves become more sophisticated and as sensitive information grows more widespread.
In addition, there are other sources for identity thieves as well. All the marketing databases, whether it's for a grocery card or magazine subscription, car dealership, etc., have personally identifying information on you. There are many hands that touch that information, and almost infinate ways that it can be inadvertently or intentionally revealed. You yourself may be a source of an information leak. When you speak in a public place and give out information, remember others can overhear it and use it against you, whether its your phone number, address, date of birth or more. And let's not forget those "dumpster divers," con men and women who go through trash from residences and businesses looking for information they need to steal an identity. It's dangerous out there with so much vital information existing on paper and in computers.
Identity Theft can be a huge mess to sort out. The average identity theft victim will spend approximately $1500.00 in out of pocket expenses and an average of 600 hours of personal time to deal with the ramifications, not including attorney's fees. It can take months or even years to correct a problem and some never get fully rectified. Did you know that your children or grandchildren can have their identities stolen too? They even steal identities of the deceased!
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