What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is illegal and is considered any misuse of another person's identifying information, whether personal or financial. Most of people’s personal information is often stolen through lost or stolen mail, wallets and purses, identification, and credit or debit cards. Identity thieves are usually looking for financial information to take hold of someone’s account without them knowing it; since it is not possible to steal an identity, only to use it. Identity theft can be devastating to the victim, and can sometimes take years to overcome the damage done by the thief. Identity theft can ruin a person’s good name and credit record.

 Sometimes people’s personal information is taken by mere chance, but the thieves know what they are looking for. I have had a close family member go through identity theft, and it was a scary and difficult time for them. The police assumed that someone made up a social security number, which happened to be my relatives, while filling out some form of a credit application. Now any time my relative has to use her social security number or is applying for anything having to do with her credit, she is asked additional information about her identity. It’s not as devastating as other examples of identity theft, but it is still an annoyance that she will have to deal with from now on.

Being aware is the most effective tool against many forms identity theft. Knowing how information is stolen and how to protect your information is a good start. Setting up security systems or firewalls for online accounts is another way to protect yourself. The most practical way to protect your identity is to track or monitor you information, and know what to do if it is stolen or missing.