Identity theft is the misuse someone else personal information or details without the consent. It is also defined as accessing or using someone’s personal information to commit fraud. Identity theft can take place when a person is deceased or alive (Stickley, 2009). With the increase of technology, identity theft has been on the increase. Identity crime may lead to the loss of personal finances and other important assets such as credit cards and mortgages. Thus, this essay gives detailed information about identity theft and how it can be resolved.
Fraudsters use the personal information to commit different crimes. First, to obtain credit cards and loans, they use the credit cards to obtain goods and services. Secondly, they can use it to obtain some of the victims’ important documents such as driving licenses and passports. Thirdly, they can use it to order goods in shopping centers through false pretense or in the name of the real owner (Vacca, 2003). In the case of a deceased person, they can use the personal information to take over the existing bank accounts.
Medical Identity theft has also been on the increase. It occurs when a thief uses a stolen health insurance to see a doctor, file claim with the insurance provider or get prescription drugs. If the records of the thief are mixed with the victim’s records, it affects the insurance payment records (Breaux, 2007).
Additionally, identity theft can also be classified as tax-related identity theft. It mainly entails using someone else security number to get a job or tax refund. Signs of tax identity theft include an addition of the tax return field on social security number and being paid by an employer who is not known. If a person uses a stolen social security number, the identity protection sends a letter or notice showing the problem (Vacca, 2003). When one gets a message fraud, the identity protection society must be immediately contacted. By doing so, one is able to protect the identity account from identity thieves in the future.
Child identity theft is also on the increase. Here, thieves use the child’s identity number to apply for credit cards, apply for a loan or open bank account. Children personal information should be protected as required by the law (Breaux, 2007). Parents must make sure that the child’s information is stored securely. They must stay alert always to ensure that they minimize the theft of the child’s information. It should be private and confidential.
In conclusion, protecting personal information is the best remedy to prevent identity theft. Everyone must dispose of and store your personal information securely (Stickley, 2009). Before giving out personal information to someone, it is in order to ask for more details why the person or the institution needs the information. Users must maintain security on the electronic devices and computers. They should also destroy all the papers or anything that may have personal information before you dispose of all your personal information. Protecting personal information prevents adverse conditions such as financial loss.
References
Breaux, M. (2007). Identity theft: Reclaiming who God created you to be. Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan.
Stickley, J. (2009). The truth about identity theft. Upper Saddle River, N.J: FT Press.
Vacca, J. R. (2003). Identity theft: [how to minimize your risk of becoming a victim]. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall PTR.
