Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States which affects over 10 millions Americans each year; and if you're not careful, it could happen to you, or perhaps it already has. On average, it takes identity theft victims 12 months to realize that they have been victimized. This is now the fastest growing crime in America.
Someone steals your name, your credit card number, or your Social Security number and begins racking up bills. You may not even be aware of it, until a bill collector contacts you, or the bank freezes your accounts. You might even be arrested for fraud or other crimes the identity thief actually committed in your name.
It may take months to restore your solid credit rating and your own good name. In the meantime, you may miss out on important opportunities: college grants, job placements, automobile loans. Even your health and life insurance may be affected, if the thief obtains medical care in your name. The loss to your financial reputation and the affront to your personal integrity can be devastating.
WHERE DID THE CROOK GET YOUR INFORMATION IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Clever criminals grab confidential data by stealing wallets and purses, intercepting mail, confiscating personnel records, nabbing numbers off charge slips, and even rummaging through trash bins. Copying account numbers from invoices and receipts is a favorite ploy. Posing as telemarketers or telephone bankers, they may even ask you directly for your data.
The internet has created new opportunities for these crafty folks, who may hack into unsecured sites or set up false companies to obtain your statistics.
WHAT DO THEY DO WITH YOUR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION?
Essentially, an identity thief attempts to set himself up as you. Using your personal information, a thief may change your mailing address to divert your monthly billing statements to himself. Most likely, posing as you, he will apply for credit cards.
Of course, when the bills remain unpaid, your credit rating will plummet. He may do the same with an apartment lease, utility and cable TV services, internet providers, and more.
He may obtain a home or cellular telephone and ring up unpaid charges on a delinquent account.
The crook may take out a car loan or even a home mortgage all in your name.
In the worst cases, the identity thief may even obtain a driver’s license, obtain welfare or other government benefits, and file a tax return (or fail to do so) all to your discredit.
If he/she is arrested for any crime, it will be your name on the ticket or warrant.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT?
Protecting yourself against identity theft involves nothing more than protecting this personal information, particularly the high sensitivity items. Anyone with knowledge of just one of your high sensitivity items can do a lot of damage. Part of the battle of preventing identity theft is recognizing how this personal information is stolen and from where.
Be Safe out there - off and online, as well.
God Bless!
