By Stan Lear
Methods used by thieves to steal identities are always evolving due to technological advancements. The following techniques have been employed in the past and can be categorized into three groups.
Information divulged
The simplest way to take someone else's identity is with this technique. Typically, social networking sites are where this is seen. You must make sure that your social networking sites have privacy settings and that you do not accept friend requests from people you do not know.
Offline techniques
Pretexting
This happens when an identity thief contacts a business pretending to be a real client and asking for their contact information
Skimming
obtaining information from the magnetic strips on the backs of credit and eftpos cards. After that, a black card containing these details is used to access the account.
Shoulder scuba diving
This is the practice of watching someone's back as they input their pin at an ATM, when using internet banking in a public setting, or at an e-wallet terminal.
Theft of money or documents
This involves stealing or obtaining a person's document and using the information on it; if it's a wallet, there's probably a ton of information about the individual on there.
Theft of business records
This entails stealing data—either paper documents or electronic data—from a corporation. Larger numbers of data than pretexting are also possible, and both may also include staff people.
online techniques
Malware
These programs are used to damage computers or to utilize them for purposes other than those for which they were designed. Worms, Trojan horses, backdoors, screen scrapers, root kits, and spyware are just a few examples of malware.
Phishing
People are being tricked into supplying information by using emails and imitation websites that appear to be from reputable companies.
Smishing
This is the same as phishing, however it typically targets mobile devices. Be aware that smishing is developing at the same time as smart phones.
Spam
These are unsolicited electronic messages that may be used by fraudsters to send malware or engage in phishing.
Hacking
This involves stealing personal data by taking advantage of flaws in computer software or an electronic system.
How to stop identity fraud
Take care while deciding how much and to whom to disclose your personal information.
Never give anyone or any group your identifying information without first verifying their request and learning what they plan to do with it.
Be wary of any unexpected occurrences, such as letters from creditors or bank transactions you can't place. These might be the outcome of identity theft.
Before you dispose of your computer, make sure to erase all personal information from it.
Make sure to dispose of your bank statements, utility bills, and any other paperwork with your name and address on it carefully, such as by shredding or burning it. Never throw these documents in the recycling or trash bins in public areas.
Avoid utilizing shared or public computers when using internet banking.
Consider a program for identity theft insurance. These safety measures are crucial because
In addition to causing financial harm, identity theft can also be used to commit fraud or other illegal acts, making you accountable.
Most insurers offer both credit monitoring and fraud resolution and restoration on their own initiative. This is distinct from the expenses that are covered after a loss.
You can also get guidance from insurers on what to do in the event of identity theft.
Put a fraud alert on your credit reports if you are a victim of identity theft.
This raises a warning on your credit record and advises creditors and lenders to be more cautious when confirming your identity before to issuing any credit.
– Speak with the institution that was impacted.
For instance, notify the credit card company if your credit card has been stolen.
– Submit an arrest report
Contact your local law enforcement official and report the theft to finish your ID theft complaint. You can deal with the creditor reporting agencies with the assistance of the theft report.
– Keep your social security number private.
To protect your social security number, get in touch with the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration.
– Get in touch with the Federal Trade Commission
You can file an identity theft affidavit and make an identity theft report in this situation.
