What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft, or identity fraud, refers to all types of crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses the personal information of another in such a way that involves fraud or deception, usually for financial gain. Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America and other countries around the world.
Your personal data such as your social security number, your bank account or credit card number, telephone calling card number, and other valuable identifying data, including your date of birth, can be used by the wrong persons to personally profit at your expense. Using such information, unauthorized persons can not only wreak havoc with an individual's personal finances but can even take over their identity altogether amassing enormous debts and even committing criminal acts in the name of their victims.
The effect on victim's lives can be devastating both financially and emotionally and can take years to recover.
Additional Resources
DOJ: Special Report for Consumers on Identity Theft (PDF)
DOJ: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud
SSA: Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
FTC: Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft (Video)
MS-ISAC: Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft
IRS: Suspicious e-Mails and Identity Theft
Your personal data such as your social security number, your bank account or credit card number, telephone calling card number, and other valuable identifying data, including your date of birth, can be used by the wrong persons to personally profit at your expense. Using such information, unauthorized persons can not only wreak havoc with an individual's personal finances but can even take over their identity altogether amassing enormous debts and even committing criminal acts in the name of their victims.
The effect on victim's lives can be devastating both financially and emotionally and can take years to recover.
Additional Resources
DOJ: Special Report for Consumers on Identity Theft (PDF)
DOJ: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud
SSA: Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
FTC: Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft (Video)
MS-ISAC: Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft
IRS: Suspicious e-Mails and Identity Theft
