...Identity Theft Abstract This research paper will examine what is known about identity theft. The paper begins with defining the crime and its background, followed by a review of the patterns and incidences of identity theft. This review will include data on the extent and costs of this crime. Discussion will then focus on victims and perpetrators of identity theft. Common techniques used by identity thieves will be explored along with tips to protect consumers and businesses from having their identities stolen or data breached. Legislation in place to prevent and prosecute identity theft will be discussed. How to report identity theft is also explained. Defining Identity Theft The U.S. Department of Justice defines identity theft, also called identity fraud, as “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” (U.S. Department of Justice, 2015). Identity thieves use personal data such as Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card numbers to personally profit at the victim’s expense. These breaches allow thieves to take funds out of bank accounts or in the worst cases, take over a victim’s identity completely, running up huge debts and committing crimes using the victim’s name. Victims not only suffer the out-of-pocket financial losses, but they may have to rebuild their reputation in the community due...
Words: 4583 - Pages: 19
...Identity theft is the crime of using someone else's personal information for self-gain. According to an article in USA Today, identity theft is surpassing traditional theft and is becoming the leading form of property crime (Anderson). The Federal Trade Commission estimates that more than 9 million individuals are victims of identity theft each year. The Justice Department puts the figure at more than 3.5 million households (Anderson). Anyone can become a victim of identity theft and it is not limited to the financial activities of one’s life. People’s identity is also stolen in order to commit criminal activities. Both activities are defined as fraud and are punishable by law if caught. Financial identity theft or fraud includes bank fraud, credit card fraud, computer and telecommunications fraud, social program fraud, tax refund fraud, and mail fraud. In fact, a total of 25 types of financial identity fraud are listed and investigated by the United States Secret Service (Obringer). In 1997, Secret Service agents made approximately 10,000 financial crime arrests which 94 percent involved identity theft (Obringer). Fifteen years later, Javelin Strategy & Research reports that over 12 million financial identity theft cases were reported (Javelin Strategy & Research). Other types of identity theft usually involve financial elements as well but are typically committed to fund some sort of criminal enterprise. Criminal activities include gaining...
Words: 752 - Pages: 4
... Always monitor the bank statement and etc. Checking the mail for missing account statements is another way to protect from identity theft and fraud. If someone going on vacation that person should ask the post office to hold all their mail until that person came back, to prevent identity theft and frauds. People should invest in a shredder to shred unwanted information. Use a secure website to access information, never enclose personal information by the phone. Check bank statement and credit card statement very careful each month to see any unwanted purchase. If that person sees any unwanted purchase notices their credit card immediately. Thesis: One day you receive a call from your bank, stating you had just made a purchase for a random estimate of 5,000 dollars. But you did not go on a shopping spree. Your identity just has stolen. How secure is your identity? Do you ever wonder about your identity? Ways to prevent/protect yourself from identity theft and frauds. I. One thing you should be aware about is your bank account. A. Once your ATM has been compromises change your pin right away. B. Get new ATM cards if it has been compromised. C. Contact the bank if you see any suspense in your bank account. I. Another way is keeping your social security secure in a safe. A. Do not write your Social Security card piece of paper. B. Do not give out your personal information to strangers. II. Monitoring your Credit Card Statements A. Check...
Words: 2515 - Pages: 11
...observed that there has been a tremendous rise in the threats of malicious attacks globally—a appreciable increase of 71% between 2008 and 2009 was noted. A specie and very popular scam is Phishing and Identity Theft (IDT). This type of online crime is a fraudulent scheme whereby attackers invade the victims’ privacy and obtain their personally identifying information (PII) such as credit card numbers, CVV numbers, credit card reports, social security numbers, drivers license numbers (usually used in gaining short-term driving jobs), telephone calling cards, ATM card details, Mortgage details, date of birth details, passwords, PIN numbers, etc. (Hedayati, 2012). These details are used by online criminals to perpetrate larceny against their victims who may have compromised their PIIs through social engineering—a preliminary attack technique used by the attackers to trick victims into compromising such details to the criminals (Hedayati, 2012). Over the past decade, a well over 500 million of PIIs belonging to the United States residents kept and stored in various corporate or government and other institutional databases have been found to be stolen or lost to these criminals through privacy breaches (Douglas, 2013). According to Gartner Group, losses associated with phishing and ID theft suffered by US banks...
Words: 1209 - Pages: 5
...Ayoub Elmahi NT1110 Research Paper IDentity Theft Ms. Janine Aleong Thursdays 9AM Research Project: IDentity Theft History Much before the internet technology had gained popularity, identity theft was common in form of dumpster diving and going through your trash in case you have thrown away any personal identifying information such as bills or documents. But before that, identity theft was known as a white collar crime and it was pretty dangerous. This means that if the id thieves wanted to steal your identity they would just kill you for it and just assume you identity and walk away. Back in those days the thieves also used phone scams to gather information about you. For example, the identity thief would just call someone and say they had won a huge prize and that they needed their personal information such as social security number and date of birth to verify their identity. This information was quite sufficient for them to commit crimes and leave you under debts. However with the rise of the internet technology, identity theft has become a more common crime and even easier and safe to perform without being caught. The quick growth of id theft History of identity theft had suddenly taken a sharp turn at about the time free exchange of personal and financial information become common by the use of computer and electronic devices. Identity theft is today considered to be one of the fastest growing crimes throughout the world. This rapid growth is mainly because of...
Words: 452 - Pages: 2
...Human Resource Management Human Resource Management Human Resource Management (HRM) is defined as “the function within an organization that focuses Federal Trade Commission The Federal Trade Commission was chosen as a source because it is a federal entity that was established in 1914 to protect America’s consumers and has been serving the public for nearly 100 years (Federal Trade Commission). The Federal Trade Commission website was examined using the CARS (Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support) test. The credibility of this site is shown by the reliable contact information such as the list of offices/bureaus, address, and phone numbers. The Federal Trade Commission’s reputation is proven reputable by nearly 100 years in service. The quality control of the site is shown through the Data Quality Act which provides the “Guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the Quality Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of information disseminated by the Federal Trade Commission” (Federal Trade Commission), the publication of its federal rule making authority in Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and the Commission’s semiannual Regulatory Agenda and annual Regulatory Plan. This site is held accountable for its information through the publication of reports such as the Performance and Accountability Report and the Performance and Accountability Summary which is a Citizen’s Report. The accuracy of this site is shown by the up-to-date, comprehensive information...
Words: 668 - Pages: 3
...Identity Theft and Technology http://idpromed.com/identity-theft/ http://idpromed.com/identity-theft/ Research Paper Computer Structure and Logic NT1110 Tenisha Copeland May 20, 2014 What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is when someone takes someone’s personal information such as their name, birthdate social security number, banking information, driver’s license number and other information to commit fraud or other crimes. In earlier times people had to go in your wallet write down your information, which may have taken more time and effort. These days I would like to say that 85% of identity theft happens with computers. Computers are fast making it easier to trick people into getting their information with techniques such as phishing, hacking, shoulder surfing, spam and dumpster driving. Many people today probably will say with all the new technology rapidly progressing, it makes it easier for people to steal their information. Although this may be true there are three ways to protect you and your information. Two-Step Verification Today many internet users think that having just that one password for all their online accounts is idea to remember or have quick access. Although this may be a good technique it is also dangerous and easier for a hacker to get your information. Two-step verification is just an extra step to protect you when logging in by requiring you to enter your password and then an additional password. Some websites will ask you to enter...
Words: 905 - Pages: 4
...Identity Thief an Old Problem in a Modern Era Your name KNOCK, KNOCK!!! …Who there? It Is I...I who? This is the question everyone must pose nowadays, for we don’t know who actual is behind that door. It could be your friend, family member or you banker but worst yet it can some devious individual posing to be someone you know or impersonating someone else to gain your trust in order to steal from you by stealing your identity. Identity thief has become a common practice in this Age of High Tech. One such area is the internet which has made transmission of our personally identifying information quick and easy, and sometimes less secure. Therefore just about anyone and everyone is susceptible to getting their identity stolen or compromised. So how did we get here you may ask? Well, that a good question. Brief History Identity thief is not something new despite the belief that it began with the internet. It has been around for thousand years or more. One of first recorded Identity thief in history and perhaps one of the greatest to occur happen in the Bible. It is The Blessing of Jacob by Deception (Genesis 27:1-46, King James Version). Jacob the youngest son of Isaac deceives his father by claiming to be his oldest brother, Esau (eldest son of Isaac) in order to receive the blessing that was reserved for the firstborn son. And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pay thee, sit and eat of my venison,...
Words: 2005 - Pages: 9
...NT1110 Aug 26, 2013 Research Paper: Identity Theft Identity theft, also known as ID theft is a crime in which a criminal obtains key pieces of personal information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, in order to pretend to be someone else. The information can be used to obtain credit, merchandise, and services using the victims’ name. Identity theft can also provide a thief with false credentials for immigration or other applications. One of the biggest problems with identity theft is that very often the crimes committed by the identity theft expert are often credited to the victim. A thief could take out a mortgage in your name or commit a crime and pretend to be you when caught. Thieves can even use your personal information to apply for a job or use your medical insurance. Identity theft has become one of the world’s leading crimes in the world. Identity theft drastically increased in the year 2000 by nearly 52%, occurring every half second all across the world. There are two primary types of identity theft: ~Account takeover ~True name theft Account takeover identity theft refers to the type of situation where an imposter uses the stolen personal information to gain access to the person’s existing accounts. Often the identity thief will use the stolen identity to run up current credit lines, by changing your address so that you never see the credit card bills that the thief constantly runs up. True name identity theft means that the thief uses...
Words: 485 - Pages: 2
...Stephens NT1110 Unit 10 Research Project Identity Theft “But he that filches from me my good name/ Robs me of that which not enriches him/ And make me poor indeed.” Shakespeare, Othello, Act 3 Scene 3 For as long as people have created civilizations there has been some sort of identity theft. Identity theft is when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, usually for economic gain. Your name, birth date, address, Social Security number, your bank account or credit card number, your telephone calling card number, and other valuable identifying data can be used, for identity theft if they were to fall in the wrong hand, for personal profit at your expense. That bad part is that in the past it was not even a crime. In October 30, 1998 through the enactment of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998, 18 USC & 1028 (a) (7). This Act states that identity theft occurs when a person: “knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of Federal law, or that constitutes a felony under any applicable State or local law.” There are several ways a thief can steal your identity. And there are also just as many way to prevent it...
Words: 1213 - Pages: 5
...Internet Fraud Today we live in a modernized society that is dependent on computers and the internet like the human body is dependent on its brain and heart for ordinary daily function. In 1973, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated a research program to investigate techniques and technologies for interlinking packet networks of various kinds. The objective was to develop communication protocols which would allow networked computers to communicate transparently across multiple, linked packet networks. This was called the Inter netting project and the system of networks which emerged from the research was known as the "Internet. (2) The Internet is constantly developing, becoming a greater power each day and it has affected our world in various negative and positive ways. The internet serves as an important data base worldwide. It is the greatest source of information, news, entertainment, education and even local and global interactions such as sales and trade are performed through the internet making life so much easier and hustle free. Computers are emerging almost in every aspect of our lives usually they are making everything very convenient for us, permitting us to shop from home, research information, work online, and communicate with our friends, family and acquaintances all around the world with speed. As technology continues to improve more benefits and disadvantages start to evolve. Internet access is no longer a luxury...
Words: 1347 - Pages: 6
... where a person takes the victim's money but does not perform the work promised; investment frauds and controlling their money for the future; and health and medical scams, which promise the equipment and service that do not perform as advertised. Also, research was taken from a survey from a rehab center with most of them senior citizens. The primary advice for preventing such white-collar crimes is to never give money for a product, service, or investment based upon a person's or business promise without first conducting a thorough background check. Key Terms: Senior Citizen, White Collar Crime, Prevention, Con Artists White Collar Crime against Senior Citizens Senior citizens are some of the most vulnerable targets when it comes to fraud and scam within white collar crime. There are many reasons why many people target the senior citizens and elderly mostly including but not limited to: because they are too polite and have good manners. For example, the elderly will usually not say no to people they are talking to. One of the main reasons that senior citizens have a problem is when they do find out about the scam and/or fraud; they are too embarrassed to report to the police or even their family members. This paper will focus on why the elderly are being targeted, the different types of white collar crime committed against them, and how they can be prevented. After speaking with a majority of the senior citizens, and some of their families members, about crime against...
Words: 1862 - Pages: 8
...Identity is yours and only yours “But he that filches from me my good name/Robs me of what not enriches him and makes me poor indeed” --- Shakespeare Crimes are not always on the rise; with tough and stringent laws and hard work of excellent law enforcement agencies the rate of crime can always be controlled. For example the crime rate in the New York City went down considerably in the beginning of this decade, with the introduction of new policies by the new government. There is one type of crime, which has consistently grown every year in the last decade, and also has been the fastest growing crime. It is a neither gun crimes nor the use and abuse of certain drug; it is identity theft. When searched for fastest growing crime on google.com the unanimous answer turned out to be identity theft. This crime basically proves that there is no doubt in the fact that there is something going wrong when dealing with identity theft. It seems like there is a piece of the puzzle which is missing. The main focus of this paper is to put some light on the issues concerning with identity theft, how it takes place in various manners and what are the current laws in place to act against identity theft. The role of credit card companies to deal with identity theft is also mentioned. Identity theft and identity fraud are words used to refer to all degrees of crime in which someone wrong fully acquires and exploit individual private information in numerous ways that engage scam or trickery...
Words: 1086 - Pages: 5
...Identity Theft John Smith Concepts and Applications of Information Technology 7 April 2012 Richard Jones Identity Theft Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It’s a serious crime that can damage your finances, credit history, and reputation. It can take time, money, and patience to resolve. Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. Furthermore, the internet offers access to a world of products and services, entertainment and information. At the same time, it creates opportunities for scammers, hackers, and identity thieves (Privacy and Identity). Identity thieves are resourceful. They dig through your garbage, the trash of businesses, or public dumps. They may work or pretend to work for legitimate companies, medical offices, clinics, pharmacies, or government agencies, or convince you to reveal personal information. Some thieves pretend to represent an institution you trust, and try to trick you into revealing personal information by email or phone. Some of the clues that your identity has been stolen are for example: withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain; don’t get your bills or other mail; debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours; unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report; medical...
Words: 908 - Pages: 4
...Cyber Crime Research Presentation by the Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Russell G Smith Principal Criminologist The Australian Institute of Criminology • Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice • Core funding from the Australian Government, with income for contract research from public and private sectors • Criminology Research Advisory Council representing all jurisdictions • Staff of 30 academic researchers and 25 support staff – total 55 Cyber crime research Research questions • • • • • • • • • • How are cyber crimes committed (e.g. credit cards, internet)? How many crimes are committed and what are the crime trends? Who commits them and why do people commit them? How much money is at stake, lost and recovered? How can such crime be reduced – by prevention or punishment? Online and desk-based reviews of books, reports and articles Legislative and case-law analysis, including sentencing research Consultations with business, government and the community Surveys of households, businesses, offenders and victims Analysis of media reporting of crime Research methods Dissemination of findings • Reports, books, articles, conference papers, roundtables, online, media Cyber crime concepts Organised Crime e.g. OMCGs Identity Crime Cyber Crime e.g. off-line crimes e.g. ID theft Internet Crime e.g. Offensive Content Phishing Financial Crime e.g. Home renovation scams A chronology of cyber crime Cloud...
Words: 1301 - Pages: 6
