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Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information, such as name, social security number and/or credit card number without your permission is committing fraud or other crime. If the criminal takes steps to ensure the bills for the falsely obtained credit cards or bank statements which show the unauthorized transactions are sent to an address other than the victim's, you may not find out about the theft for months until the criminal has already inflicted substantial damage on to your assets, credit, and reputation.

Most times we don’t have a clear idea of how easy it is for criminals to obtain our personal data without even having to break into our homes. The incidents often occur in broad daylight in public places. For example, many times criminals may engage in "shoulder surfing" which is watching you from a nearby location as you punch in your credit card number in the cashier, on the ATM machine or listening in on conversations while you give out credit-card number over the telephone to purchase tickets, make hotel reservations or rent a car.

The area near your home or office may not even be secure anymore. It’s a known fact that criminals engage in "dumpster diving" or going through your garbage or communal dumpster to obtain copies of: your personal information that typically bear your name, address, or telephone number. These records make it easier for criminals to gain control over accounts in your name and assume your identity.

When receiving "pre-approved" credit card applications in the mail, you must shred all enclosed material, otherwise you’re leaving a trail for criminals to obtain information about you. They will try to activate the cards, although some credit card companies have secure measures of activation only via your home number. This is not yet a universal practice for all card companies. Criminals are also on the lookout for places where mail is delivered to a third party, creating easy access for them to intercept your personal mail and redirect it to another location.

Today, the Internet has become an appealing and accessible place for criminals to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords or even banking information. In their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to "spam" or unsolicited E-mail which promises them some benefit while requesting personal information. Without the person realizing it, the requester has no intention of keeping their promise. In some cases, criminals reportedly have used computer technology to obtain large amounts of personal data.

With Enough Identifying Information About an Individual, a Criminal can Assume That Individual's Identity to Conduct a Wide Range of Crime:
Rent an apartment
 Establish a telephone account
Obtain a job
 Make false applications for loans and credit cards
Steal money from your existing accounts
 Fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts
File for bankruptcy
 Fraudulent use of telephone calling cards
Medical care
 Obtaining any goods or privileges which the criminal might be denied if he were to use his real name. ID Theft Protection is a new way to secure your good name. Identity theft is a serious problem with various levels of severity.
Apply for loans
  
Obtain a credit card


Some breaches can be resolved quickly, while others are complex causing the individual to spend a lot of their time and money to clear their name and get things to where they were prior to their identity becoming compromised. The good news is there are steps you can take - prevention is key to prevent this from happening to you.

Many ID Protection Providers Assist You in the Following Areas Which can Keep You Hassle–Free:
Fraud Alert
 Spam Block Credit Reports