6 Ways Identity Is Stolen - 5 Ways Thieves Can Use Your Data

Identity theft is rapidly growing to being the worstThieves will try and compromise your data by
crime people hear about. It can take place in big citiessending you emails that offer prizes or other neat
and little towns.offers. They will ask you information like your full
What is identity theft? It is defined by the as stealingname, address, credit card number and other
one's identity to use and commit fraud. It is done topersonal information for you to obtain what they
rob a person of their money.have for you. Do not give them this information. The
To be knowledgeable in what ways a person canmajority of these emails are scams.
steal your identity, how the crime works and how4. Snail Mail
you can prevent it, a video about this crime is yourThieves do not mind going through your mail after
best way to learn about it.the mailman or mailwoman delivers it. They don't mind
Should you be lucky enough to obtain a copy of thegetting your information this way. If possible, try to
identity theft videotape, share it with friends andget the mail shortly after it has been delivered.
family to make them aware of the white collar crime.5. Your Home
It is important that everyone knows about this crimeIf a thief wants to break into your home to steal
because the hassle that goes along with it ismuch needed documents for identity theft, there
something no one should have to go through.really isn't anything stopping them. This includes you
The video will demonstrate six steps that thievesbeing in your home. However, getting a secure lock
use to steal your data and your identity. This videoas well as getting your neighbors to look after it can
should be a top priority for those wanting to knowhelp if you and your family are gone.
more about identity thieves.6. Filling Out Documents
1. Dumpster DivingA thief will take pride in looking over your shoulder as
By rummaging through your garbage, thieves canyou fill out documents for just about anything
often times obtain your information. It is importantincluding credit or other things. Fill out the information
for you to be rid of those documents that containin a more secluded place.
both personal and financial data carefully. If you doOnce the thieves have your data, they can use it in
not have a shredder machine, burning the documentfive different ways. The video will explain how.
as well as shredding it by hand can help curb this1. Open a new credit card account in your name
type of thieving.2. Purchase a new vehicle in your name with a auto
2. Stealing your wallet or purseloan
This is the most common way a person can steal3. Should they be arrested, they will give the police
one's identity. What you may think as a commonyour name instead of their own. Should they be
theft could turn quickly into identity theft.released and not show up, a warrant will be issued in
To avoid being a victim in two ways, keep youryour name.
belongings close to you in public. Should you become4. They can open up new bank accounts in your
a victim, remember that all your bank information is inname and write bad checks.
your possession, contact your credit card carrier as5. They can call your credit card company pretending
well as your bank to inform them of the loss.to be you and change the address on your file.
3. Online scams