Home : Computer Law : Identity Theft

  Identity Theft

Identity theft is a criminal act. It happens when someone fraudulently obtains another person's personal information, such as a Social Security number, bank account number, or some other piece of sensitive data. Through identity theft, the criminal can steal money from the victim's accounts, run up debt under the stolen name, and even commit other crimes under the stolen name. It is alarmingly easy for someone to steal your identity if you do not take certain cautions. Before disposing of old mail, unactivated credit cards, or other documents that contain personal information, be sure to shred or cut them up so that sensitive information cannot be obtained from them. Before providing any information such as your SSN or your credit card number, be sure your are dealings with a trustworthy individual or company.