There are plenty of things that you could own. Some may have been bought, others given to you, and still other passed along from generation to generation.
In addition, those possessions can have monetary or sentimental value. Some of those items that have sentimental value can include photographs or heirlooms that have been passed down within the family.
Of course, the problem with owning something is that it could be stolen. Or it could even be lost due to something like fire, flood, or some other natural cause. And naturally, there are plenty of thieves out there who would steal your possessions if given the chance.
One other item that can be stolen from individuals is something extremely personal. That item is a person's identity. To increase the general awareness of identity theft it is important to define identity theft. In order to define identity theft it is imperative to know how society defines identity theft and how it can occur.
Definition Of Identity Theft
In order to be aware of identity theft, provide protection and prosecute those who steal another's identity, it is important to define identity theft. Identity theft is that action or actions taken by another for the purpose of misrepresenting themselves as that individual in order to commit fraudulent acts. Those fraudulent acts can include the illegal accessing of that person's financial accounts or committing acts of crime. Those acts of crime could include creating new credit cards accounts, obtaining a loan, etc.
One of the most common and severe results of identity theft is some type of financial loss. Having your identity stolen can have a negative effect on your finances when someone is able to access your credit cards, bank accounts and other personal data.
In addition, if not addressed quickly, an identity theft victim will have to deal with damage perpetuated on their good name. Often this damage is reflected in credit ratings, possible criminal activity, employment interviews, etc. Although the victim is innocent, often it takes months or even years for the devastating effects of the identity theft to be cleared.
How Identity Theft Occurs
Identity theft often occurs when critical, personal pieces of information are somehow obtained by an identity thief.
This can include identification numbers, such as your social insurance number and driver's license number - things that only their owner should know. Other potentially dangerous pieces of information are your passwords, account PINs, date of birth or even your mother's maiden name.
If these numbers are obtained by an identity thief, they can use them to pose as you to banks, credit companies or other services. This personal information should never be given out glibly.
If a company has a legitimate need for this information, they normally only ask for it if you have called them. They shouldn't call you and then ask for it, since you have no way of confirming they are who they say.
Your trash is another source of this information for identity thieves. Don't ever throw out papers with personal information on it - make sure you shred it thoroughly first.
In addition, those possessions can have monetary or sentimental value. Some of those items that have sentimental value can include photographs or heirlooms that have been passed down within the family.
Of course, the problem with owning something is that it could be stolen. Or it could even be lost due to something like fire, flood, or some other natural cause. And naturally, there are plenty of thieves out there who would steal your possessions if given the chance.
One other item that can be stolen from individuals is something extremely personal. That item is a person's identity. To increase the general awareness of identity theft it is important to define identity theft. In order to define identity theft it is imperative to know how society defines identity theft and how it can occur.
Definition Of Identity Theft
In order to be aware of identity theft, provide protection and prosecute those who steal another's identity, it is important to define identity theft. Identity theft is that action or actions taken by another for the purpose of misrepresenting themselves as that individual in order to commit fraudulent acts. Those fraudulent acts can include the illegal accessing of that person's financial accounts or committing acts of crime. Those acts of crime could include creating new credit cards accounts, obtaining a loan, etc.
One of the most common and severe results of identity theft is some type of financial loss. Having your identity stolen can have a negative effect on your finances when someone is able to access your credit cards, bank accounts and other personal data.
In addition, if not addressed quickly, an identity theft victim will have to deal with damage perpetuated on their good name. Often this damage is reflected in credit ratings, possible criminal activity, employment interviews, etc. Although the victim is innocent, often it takes months or even years for the devastating effects of the identity theft to be cleared.
How Identity Theft Occurs
Identity theft often occurs when critical, personal pieces of information are somehow obtained by an identity thief.
This can include identification numbers, such as your social insurance number and driver's license number - things that only their owner should know. Other potentially dangerous pieces of information are your passwords, account PINs, date of birth or even your mother's maiden name.
If these numbers are obtained by an identity thief, they can use them to pose as you to banks, credit companies or other services. This personal information should never be given out glibly.
If a company has a legitimate need for this information, they normally only ask for it if you have called them. They shouldn't call you and then ask for it, since you have no way of confirming they are who they say.
Your trash is another source of this information for identity thieves. Don't ever throw out papers with personal information on it - make sure you shred it thoroughly first.
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Are you looking for more ways to avoid identity theft? You'll find more helpful tips and tricks about how to protect yourself from this and other security threats at the Online Security Toolkit website.
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