Identity theft occurs
when an unauthorized party uses your personally identifying information
, such as your name, address, Social Security Number (SSN), or credit card or bank account information to assume your identity in order to commit fraud or other criminal acts.
What is identity theft in simple terms?
Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to
refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way
that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.
What are some examples of identity theft?
- Stolen Checks. If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies. …
- ATM Cards. …
- Fraudulent Change of Address. …
- Social Security Number Misuse. …
- Passports. …
- Phone Service. …
- Driver License Number Misuse. …
- False Civil and Criminal Judgements.
What are the four types of identity theft?
- Financial identity theft. …
- Tax identity theft. …
- Medical identity theft. …
- Employment identity theft. …
- Child identity theft. …
- Senior identity theft.
How your identity can be stolen?
- Data breaches. Data breaches often make headlines, so this is one method you’ve likely heard about before. …
- Phishing. …
- Unsafe Internet connections. …
- Mail theft. …
- Dumpster diving. …
- Lost Social Security card. …
- Weak data protection.
Are identity thieves ever caught?
Are identity thieves ever caught? Identity theft statistics for 2020
are not available yet
; however, 2006 research showed that federal authorities arrest only 0.14% of the criminals (one person in 700 identity theft suspects).
What is the risk of identity theft?
If your passwords provide an easy opportunity for identity thieves, they can access your accounts,
install malware on your computer and steal your information
. Some hackers may use trial and error to guess your passwords, using details about your work or home life that can be found online.
What are the 3 types of identity theft?
The three most common types of identity theft are
financial, medical and online
. Learn how you can prevent them and what to do if they happen to you.
What is the jail time for identity theft?
Incarceration. A conviction for an identity theft crime can result in time spent in jail or prison. In general, a conviction for a misdemeanor offense can lead
to up to a year in jail
, while felony sentences can result in several years or more in prison.
What is the minimum sentence for identity theft?
Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of
imprisonment for two years or by imprisonment for five years if it relates to a
terrorism offense. At least thus far, the government has rarely prosecuted the five-year terrorism form of the offense.
What is the most common cause of identity theft?
Among the leading causes of identity theft,
data breaches
stand out as they can rapidly impact a massive group of people. Consider the 2013 Target incident, where hackers gained access to the credit card information of millions of shoppers at the major national retailer.
What can hackers do with your identity?
Your info could be used
to open credit cards or take out loans
. If hackers have your Social Security number, name, birthdate and address, they can open credit cards or apply for loans in your name.
What might Identity thieves do with your identity?
Identity thieves can
steal your personal information directly
or indirectly by: Stealing your wallets and purses containing identification cards, credit cards and bank information. Stealing your mail including credit and bank statements, phone or utility bills, new checks, and tax information.
Are you responsible if your identity is stolen?
Both companies have procedures to deal with ID theft and will put a warning on your file. They can review copies of your credit record and report any false information. … If your credit card was used after it was reported lost or stolen, your maximum liability is
$50
.
How can we avoid identity theft?
- Freeze your credit. …
- Safeguard your Social Security number. …
- Be alert to phishing and spoofing. …
- Use strong passwords and add an authentication step. …
- Use alerts. …
- Watch your mailbox. …
- Shred, shred, shred. …
- Use a digital wallet.
How can you protect yourself from identity theft?
- 10 Ways To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft. …
- Destroy private records and statements. …
- Secure your mail. …
- Safeguard your Social Security number. …
- Don’t leave a paper trail. …
- Never let your credit card out of your sight. …
- Know who you’re dealing with. …
- Take your name off marketers’ hit lists.
