Identity theft is a crime whereby criminals impersonate
individuals, usually for financial gain. Thief accesses your personal
information especially through internets . Some of these are the following key
terms; security, cyber forensics, phishing, and email spoofing. In today’s society the information about you such
as your social security number, signature, name, address, phone number, cell
number, or even banking and credit card information are can be theft. They can
use your personal information and use it to commit fraud in your name. Armed
with your personal information, they will apply for loans or new credit card
accounts. With your information and documents could obtain a job and file
fraudulent income tax returns, apply for travel documents, file insurance
claims, or even provide your name and mailing address to police and other
authorities in other criminal cases.
Did you know that according to the studies done in July
2003( gather research and Harris interactive), approximately there 7 million
people became victims of identity theft in the prior 12 months. The equal
119,178 per day, 799 per hour, 13.3 per minute. [source: Identity theft
resource center]
There is this one
organization, the Federal trade commission. It provides valuable facts and
information to consumers concerning identity theft, including preventive and
resolutions to identity theft concerns. FTC recommended taking immediate steps
to protect yourself such as placing fraud alerts on your credit cards, filling
police reports, and filling complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
In this kind of
incidents, how can you protect yourself to this security theft on internet?
It’s a big deal for everyone, hackers and theft can be
everywhere anytime you connect the internet. Just consider some of this tips: setting
up proper controls-only connect to the internet over secure, password protected
networks. Do not click to those strange emails, attachments, links or pop-ups
and open it. Respond to those trusted
messages only, don’t just give your personal informations like birthday
especially credit card number. Select smart and strong password and change it
frequently. Stay aware, always check or monitor your accounts and credit cards.
In social networks, limit also your post to public. Don’t be so vulnerable
posting informations like your address or schedules of routines. Share it to
those trusted people of yours. Use privacy settings, this limits you’re the
information you share with the general public online. Be vigilance on your
computer as long as with your mobile device. Suspect links and text messages,
be suspicious of unknown links or request sent through the email or text
message. Be careful of what you download, download only trusted applications from
marketplaces.
Almost every worldwide government agencies responsible for
identity issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fight identity theft is to minimize the risk.To
help protect yourself and those around you all you have to do is just to be
aware, be suspicious enough and smart about your personal informations. Be more
private and secured. Remember the more you are private and secure to keep your
personal identifying informations, the less you are susceptible to identity
theft.
