Identity Theft is not a new crime. But it has always evolved to include new technology. In olden times, it was a simple as a criminal pretending to be someone else who looked like him. Since there were no records then and people always pay in cash or in kind, it was almost a victimless crime. Before the electronic age, identity theft was limited to stealing someone's passport, driver's license or social security card. In the 1950's when credit cards started making an appearance, it was almost impossible to use another's identity to get a card. People will need to appear in person in the bank to get a credit card. Or the manager of the bank needs to vouch that he personally knows that person is who he claims to be. This makes identity theft near impossible but the process of credit card application a hassle and an inconvenience.
In today's technology, identity theft has included ATMs, checkbooks and most recently, the world wide web. Stealing one's ATM is very straightforward and once the thief gets a hold of your personal identification pin, they can make withdrawals from your account. Getting a hold of someone's checkbook means you can issue checks under the victim's name without having to pay for your purchase. With the increase in transactions being done online, it was expected that identity thieves will target this next. Because almost everything can be conveniently done online today, thieves have been targeting people who transact online. It can be as simple as getting someone's credit card number and making on online purchase to hacking an institution's database for its client and vendor information.
Our reliance on technology and IDs and other identification documents have also made identity theft more elaborate. Instead of making one purchase with a credit card or issuing checks from the victim, thieves have gone as far as assuming someone's identity to commit crime and get away with it. Thieves have also done opening a new bank under a victim's name. They have done applying for a new credit card using a victim's identity. They can even apply for auto or housing loans under your name.
Although technology has made transactions relatively safer, faster and more convenient, it has also given identity thieves more avenues to exploit us and turn us into victims. But technology has also allowed the government to detect more identity thieves and monitor their activities to help protect all of our information.
Tina L. Douglas is a well established author on the topic of identity theft.
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