How Identity Theft Happens?
By: Joy Mali | Posted: 05th April 2011
While new internet users are still asking "what is identity theft?" the crooks are operating in high gear!
Identity thieves steal your personal data because they want others to think that they are you, and the motive may be as simple as being able to buy something without paying for it.Your Social Security Number, personal information and bank account numbers are all a thief needs to commit identity theft. Hence, it wouldn't come as any surprise to find out that someone that you know has become a victim of identity theft as the issue is actually pretty widespread. To prevent identity theft, the first step would be to understand how it happens. Here are some of the major strategies and vulnerabilities for fighting back, because a theft happens every 2 seconds!
Inbox Identity Theft
Known as one of the easier pickings, an Inbox identity theft is the most common way to get personal information because an inbox often contains nearly every bit personal information, such as financial statements or bills, even before it gets into your hands. If you are in business, involved in online banking or shopping or have an account in social networking sites, your email address is going to be forged by spammers.
Social Networking Websites
We all are aware of the creeps and perverts that hang around the social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or Hi5. While the sites increase your friends circle, they may also increase your exposure to people who have less than friendly intentions. Too much information shared on a social networking site such as your address, phone number and full name can allow a stranger to stalk you, steal your identity or hack your computer.
Phishing Attack
A term that has become the talk of the internet world, "phishing" is an illegitimate e-mail made by the crooks that looks exactly like it is from a government agency or your bank. The e-mail claims that your bank or government agency needs to verify your account information "for your own protection." If you receive such emails, it could be the identity thieves’ phishing for your identity. Do not click on links in emails; you’re suspicious, type the website URL directly into your web browser.
As the internet quickly grows and so does its users, it is important to be on the safe side. Sign up with an identity theft protection service to get complete protection from identity theft. These services monitor identity theft and provide enhanced protection from criminal identity theft by sending you alerts if too much information is public about you through Public Database Scanning, Social Security Number Scanning, Credit Card Scanning, Name & Address Scanning, Bank Account Number Scanning and every other activity that will protect your identity online.
Keep a regular check for identity theft with MyID and get alerts when your online identity is at risk. MyID helps in identity theft protection in real time so that you can protect your financial privacy against any theft or fraud easily. Sign up now and protect your privacy instantly.
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Tags: e mail, internet users, address phone number, crooks, personal data, bank account numbers, internet world, thieves, thief, government agency, social security number, financial statements, victim of identity theft, motive, vulnerabilities, social networking sites, myspace, social networking site