Paying Attention To Identity Theft Facts
January 15, 2008
It is our countries fastest growing crime and in fact, idendtity theft is the worlds fastest growing crime. Here are a few other facts about identity theft.
There have been so many warnings and news stories about identity theft facts in the last few years, that they can all just pass right over our heads without notice. Sometimes you hear another warning and lump them with the Do not run with scissors category of advice. But you should be aware, the dangers are all to real. Do not look at identity theft facts as someone scolding you or threatening you, take it as a compliment that someone went to the trouble of trying to keep your money and your sanity safe.
It Figures
Identity theft facts can be found easily from websites such the Anti Phishing Working Group, The Federal Trade Commission and the FBI. Even Google sponsors studies about identity theft facts, as many victims of identity theft get their personal data stolen from online criminals and scams.
So, what are the identity theft facts you need to know? About 10 million Americans get nailed by identity theft every year. Americans loose about $50 billion a year to identity theft. And that is just America. Identity theft can happen anywhere in the world, except perhaps Antarctica, but I would not put stealing personal data from penguins beyond the scope of a cracker (criminal hacker).
The most important of the identity theft facts you need to know are that…
Victims are from all walks of life, all financial, racial and educational situations. If you are breathing in and out, you are a potential victim of identity theft.
You do not have to go online to risk identity theft. Someone could go through your trash for account records. Someone could steal your wallet with your drivers license in it.
Identity theft is mostly preventable
If you think you are a victim of identity theft, there are agencies and places you can go to for help. Never be afraid to ask for help!
Do not Take Candy From Strangers
There are not a whole lot of new habits or services you need to add into your already busy life to protect yourself from identity theft. Most of it is just common sense, which is one of the best or worst identity theft facts, depending upon your grasp of common sense.
If anyone calls on the phone and asks for your personal data, tell them where they can go and hang up.
A legitimate online business will NEVER ask for your password, social security number or credit card number in an email.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Never download unlicensed or pirated software, movies or music on your computer. They are often Trojan Horses to hide malware that sends all of the personal information on your computer to a cracker.
Click here and learn how to protect your identity and your credit rating from theft.
Tags: identity theft
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