You Don't Have to Be a Pro to Protect Your Identity

The 21st century has developed new types of identity theft. The educated consumer must become familiar with them all. Assembling tools to protect the identity of the consumer should be a part of every person's legal protection kit.

Savvy consumers are aware that the crime of identity theft victimizes millions of people each year. Most know that the perpetrators enter through portals where they can find social security numbers, credit card information, and other personal information. But, there are new types of identity theft being developed all the time. After all, it is the information age. Let's look at the tried and true methods of delivery.

Common Methods of Information Delivery

Sifting personal trash - this method is as simple as it sounds, a thief riffles through the garbage of a "mark" seeking social security numbers, credit card information and all the information necessary to assume an identity.

Stealing information from employers. As a clerk, customer, or any person who has access to this information, credit applications are replete with this information.

Victimizing the elderly and vulnerable by telephone. Posing as a bank representative, salesperson, or vendor, the information is taken from the victim.

These methods are still used. According to current information from government agencies these methods are actually the types most used. The Internet and advanced networking systems have invented new sources of information delivery.

New Sources of Information Delivery

Phishing - consumer receives an email from a financial organization stating that an update is required. The email requests information such as social security number, and other personal information enabling the person behind the scenes to accumulate millions of records from unsuspecting victims.

Pharming - another more sophisticated form of 'phishing'. This time, though, the thief will develop an entire website that is actually in the form of the same site as the legitimate site for the financial institution. Here, they will require "members" to update their files.