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Identity Theft
As many as 10 million Americans a year are victims of identity theft. Internet id theft statistics reveal online id theft is the fastest growing id crime.
Although statistically this type of identity theft occurs less frequently than other types, it is perhaps the type of ID fraud that we should be most aware of.
What Is Our Digital Identity?
On the Internet, our identity is made up of...
However, because we use the Internet for all sorts of financial transactions, criminals are developing sophisticated techniques to steal these digital identities. Internet id theft statistics show their aim is to use our identities to open credit card accounts, bank loans, mortgages; any transaction that will make money.
There is one main difference between internet identity theft and other types of ID theft...
With internet identity theft we don't have to wait for a thief to physically steal our information. Instead, we may unwittingly hand over the information ourselves. Information about us can be stolen by computer criminals from the databases of banks, retailers, ISPs and data clearinghouses.
However, there is an easier way for the thief... and that is to steal the information from us or to trick us into providing the information.
Although statistically this type of identity theft occurs less frequently than other types, it is perhaps the type of ID fraud that we should be most aware of.
What Is Our Digital Identity?
On the Internet, our identity is made up of...
- IP (Internet Protocol) address
- address where we live
- usernames
- passwords
- personal identification numbers (PINs)
- social security numbers
- birth dates
- account numbers
- mother's maiden name, etc
However, because we use the Internet for all sorts of financial transactions, criminals are developing sophisticated techniques to steal these digital identities. Internet id theft statistics show their aim is to use our identities to open credit card accounts, bank loans, mortgages; any transaction that will make money.
There is one main difference between internet identity theft and other types of ID theft...
With internet identity theft we don't have to wait for a thief to physically steal our information. Instead, we may unwittingly hand over the information ourselves. Information about us can be stolen by computer criminals from the databases of banks, retailers, ISPs and data clearinghouses.
However, there is an easier way for the thief... and that is to steal the information from us or to trick us into providing the information.
PHISHING
by Beverly Chargualaf
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PHARMING
by Rosan Fernando
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