What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is a type of cybercrime where a person’s personal and sensitive information is stolen and used by someone else without their consent, often for financial gain or fraudulent activities.
The stolen information can include details such as a person’s name, Social Security number, credit card information, bank account details, passwords, and more. The goal of identity theft is to assume the victim’s identity and use it to carry out various malicious activities, such as making unauthorized purchases, applying for credit, committing fraud, or accessing sensitive accounts.
Identity theft can have serious consequences for the victims, including financial loss, damaged credit, legal troubles, and emotional distress. It can take a significant amount of time and effort to resolve the issues caused by identity theft, and victims may face challenges in proving their innocence and restoring their reputation.
Common methods used by identity thieves to obtain personal information include
1
Phishing
Thieves use fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick individuals into revealing their personal information.
2
Data Breaches
Cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to databases containing personal information, often from businesses or organizations, and then use or sell the stolen data.
3
Social Engineering
Attackers manipulate individuals into revealing personal information through various psychological tactics.
4
Malware and Hacking
Cybercriminals use malicious software (malware) or hacking techniques to infiltrate computers or networks and steal personal data.
5
Physical Theft
Identity thieves may steal physical items, such as wallets, purses, or mail, to gain access to personal information.