Identity Theft - It's Not What You Think

  By this time in 2007 it should be clear to just about everyone that identity theft is a real and growing problem throughout the world, but especially here in the United States where there is so much affluence (and of course available credit). The Federal Trade Commission reports that for the 5th year in a row identity theft topped the list of consumer complaints. In this article we will explore what identity theft is, how it is most commonly perpetrated, and how big of a threat it really is to the average consumer.
Credit Card Fraud versus Identity Theft
When someone illegally obtains your credit card information and uses it then that is credit card fraud. It is not identity theft in the purest sense but when the government estimates the number of identity theft victims and the financial impact of identity theft it generally includes this number. The term most commonly used now is Identity Fraud which broadens the scope to include credit card fraud. In 2006 the total estimated cost of identity fraud was $56.6 billion, up from $54.4 billion in 2005. Credit card fraud accounts for approximately 26% of identity theft. The balance of identity theft is comprised mostly of new account identity theft, where your personal information is compromised to the point where the thief is able to establish new accounts (bank, credit card, utilities) in your name. This type of theft can have a devastating effect on an individual's life and can take years and thousands of dollars to clean up and restore your good name. Some individuals never recover from this type of identity theft.

Identity Theft Online - How Does it Happen?

  Identity theft is generally a bad thing that happens to good hard-working people. technology makes it easy for thieves to steal your identity. There are several methods used by these thieves to steal your identity. The most common methods include phishing, and credit card offers. If you are not wise to the use identity theft methods, then you may easily become a victim of identity theft. it is for this reason that learning about identity theft is extremely important.

Are You an Ongoing Victim of Identity Theft?

   A person that becomes a victim of identity theft is a victim for life. This is because no matter how often the law reassures you that they are trying to fix the problem, they are lying. I was a victim of identity theft. The second time this occurred, I reported the problem to the police. Their reaction was to ask a few questions and give me a report number - no further action was taken. So I reported both this and the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (this was in 2000), but I am still waiting for a response - and the perpetrator is still committing the crimes!