Please take steps to prevent someone from stealing YOUR identity!
Identity theft is not really new. In fact identity theft has been around long before anyone even invented the computer or the internet. Identity theft is the process of stealing someone's personal information and using it for your own benefit. Stolen information can be anything from our credit card numbers to our phone calling cards and social security numbers or anything else that can be considered 'unique' to your person.
This information, once obtained, is then used for the personal gain of the thief and in some cases can resulted in extreme credit card debts ($100,000 and more) and all sorts of goods purchased in the victim's name. Considering that all of a sudden someone could have the ability to buy a gun in your name and shoot someone (to use a very extreme example) with all the implications thereof should make us think twice about revealing any personal information at all to anyone.
Identity theft is beyond a shadow of a doubt a crime that is punishable by law. Unfortunately, it is still practiced by many and often will result in more problems for the victim than for the thief.
Very few people realize how easy it is to obtain personal information from others. Someone could be listening in on your telephone conversation as you convey your credit card number for the hotel you want to spend your vacation at. Someone could be looking over your shoulder as you type in secret passwords to gain access to your online bank account or ATM. Some people will even stoop so low as to go through your garbage to find out anything they can about you.
The sheer possibilities someone has just by stealing your mail are incredible. Before you know it you may exist twice. Your ever-pleasant self and evil twin, the criminal that assumed your identity just to drive you into financial ruin.
With the advent of the internet, and with practically anyone being able to afford a connection, identity theft has become even easier.
