Protecting an individual’s financial well being often means implementing plenty of identity theft precautions. However, it also means having plenty of identity theft legislation in place as well. Though there has always been some form of identity theft regulation on the books, a number of laws and guidelines have been renewed, rewritten and reinforced over the last several years. This was done in order to keep up with the changing climate of fraud and to help victims have some form of viable recourse. Because the problem is so widespread, legislation is written in languages that address both individuals and businesses. Read the rest of this entry »
Identity theft is the act of using an individual’s or business’ private information without permission to obtain goods, benefits or money. Identity thieves have been known to steal another person’s identity in order to escape punishment for committing crimes as well.
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Like any other kind of crook, an identity thief is an opportunist. Most of their time is simply spent waiting for an individual to get careless with their information. Whether it’s tossed out in the garbage or lifted from a restaurant, there are a number of places that this can happen. The vast majority of identity thieves set themselves up wherever they will have good access to an individual’s personal information. Most often, this is any place where financial transactions are handled. For example, Abraham Abdullah was an identity thief who managed to steal millions from well to do victims while working as a busboy in an upscale New York eatery. Read the rest of this entry »
A common subject reported on in newspapers and on television, many have become quite aware of the cruel inconvenience of identity theft. However, a true understanding of the situation often does not come until an individual is in the midst of being a victim. In general, identity theft is a crime perpetrated by using sensitive information to gain money, benefits, goods or a combination thereof. It has wreaked havoc on a number of industries, including banks and other lending institutions as well as government agencies, real estate, retail and other types of commerce. Law enforcement agencies, from local levels on up to federal bureaus, are often overwhelmed with the number of claims that pour in on a daily basis. Read the rest of this entry »
Identity thieves will advance on a Social Security number with the intensity of sharks smelling blood in the water. This is because a Social Security number is the magic key that allows a thief to not only open new lines of credit but gain other crucial information as well. Once a thief has a Social Security number he or she can then get the victim’s credit report that details their address and phone number. Once put together, a thief can live a large part of their life on the dime of another person. The worst part is the victim may never even find out until months or years later. This is especially true if the individual is someone who does not check his or her credit report on a regular basis. Read the rest of this entry »
Dealing with identity theft is not something that is not commonly found on an individual’s list of top ten things to do. Unfortunately, it is something that, when it does occur, must be dealt with swiftly, adeptly and without hesitation. When it comes to identity theft, perpetrators are counting on time to be on their side. By practicing safe, smart habits and staying alert, one can often keep the upper hand on the underhanded. Read the rest of this entry »
There are two things an individual can do in the unfortunate event of either becoming an identity theft victim or suspecting the possibility of becoming a victim. Putting a credit freeze and fraud alert on one’s credit report is essential for stopping fraudsters before they start. With either of these options, creditors will be made aware of the suspicious circumstances for the individual they are considering extending a line of credit to or opening an account for. Plus, a creditor will be made to contact an individual specifically in order to establish any type of credit at all. Read the rest of this entry »
There have been a number of security measures implemented by banks, government institutions and many other organizations in order to prevent identity theft. Whether it is pictures, encoded data or holographic images, the unwavering will of criminals has found a way around nearly every single security precaution in place. Rather than one size fits all safety features, the new science now relies on the use of an individual’s unique and distinct identifiers to thwart thieves. Read the rest of this entry »
These days, there are as many child victims of identity theft as there are adults. Children make for the ideal target not only because their clean credit history but because it is likely to be years before the damage is discovered. Though it is possible for a child’s personal information to be gleaned from such places as insurance forms and similar records, the perpetrators of child identity theft are often more close to home. Unfortunately, the vast majorities of these crimes are committed by parents, a guardian or close relative of the child. As many will agree, having one’s identity stolen is hard enough; the added element of having it done by what is supposed to be a trusted family member only adds further insult to injury. Read the rest of this entry »