What is Identity Theft?

Posted: March 21st, 2011

We all hear the words “identity theft” these days, in the news and online. What exactly does it mean? The simplest definition is a person stealing another person’s information…their Social Security number, their bank account information, their credit card number…and using that information to make purchases.

Identity theft is getting so much publicity lately because it’s on the rise. New technology has given thieves new ways to steal information. Many of these ways are so subtle and sneaky that you don’t realize you’ve been robbed until it’s too late. This means that by the time most people realize they’ve been robbed; the thieves have made their purchases and already stopped using the information. This makes them extremely hard to trace or to arrest.

For an example of how easy it is to steal somebody’s identity, consider how often you enter personal information online. If your wireless internet connection isn’t secured by a password or code, it’s frighteningly easy for thieves to access your connection and see everything you type.

This is one reason why using public computers, such as those in a coffee shop, library or school, can be so risky. A good practice is to never use sensitive information on a shared computer. It’s very easy for a thief to put a keystroke-tracking program onto a computer, without the knowledge of the business where the computer’s located. Keep your banking and other sensitive transactions to your home computer, using a secured connection.

How can you possibly protect yourself? In my next blog, I’ll give you some simple tips for avoiding identity theft.

---