Identity Theft Using Technology
Posted on April 17, 2008
Identity theft happens when someone uses another’s personal identifying information such as name, social security number or credit card number without any permission or consent in order to commit fraud or other crimes. It used to be that people would just have to look out for old-fashioned stealing where wallets, purses or mail is physically taken. Stealing of personal records or bribing someone who has access to such records is another form.
The convenience provided by advanced technology has spawned a corresponding evil which people with less than good intentions and substantial technical know-how use to their advantage. One specific method that was introduced by regular computer use is phishing where perpetuators pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get the user to reveal personal information.
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