An introduction to Identity Theft

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An Introduction to Identity Theft

An Introduction to

IDENTITY THEFT

Created By

Ruth Sutton

P06003790

 

INDEX

Introduction                                                Page  3

What is Identity Theft?                                                   4

Prevalence and Statistics                                           5

The Criminal, Your Personal Information, Methodology &

Tools                                                                            7

        Card Skimming                                                   7

        Bin Raiding                                                           7

        Useful Documents                                            8

        Shoulder Surfing                                                   8                

        Spoof Means                                                   8

        Advance Fee & 419 Fraud                                     9

Corporate Identity Theft                                         10

        Corporate Scams                                         10

                Telesales Scam                                          10

                Bogus Invoice Scam                                 10

        Network Invasion                                                  11

Affects on the Victim                                                   12

Preventative Measures                                                13

The Victims Recovery                                                14

Conclusion                                                                15

Bibliography                                                        16


INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is to explore and explain “Identity Theft”, it will document some of the available statistics.  It will report the sources of information, methodology and tools used by the criminal to carry out the offence, the affects on the victim, preventative measures, and finally the steps of recovery for the victims of Identity Theft. 


What is “Identity Theft”

Identity Theft is the use of another persons, living or deceased or a company’s (and its directors) personal and private information which is then used for the purposes of;

  • Assuming another’s identity in all aspects of the criminals daily life - this is known as Identity Cloning
  • Financial Services theft – The obtaining of financial services in another’s name.
  • Business and commercial identity theft - used for obtaining financial services, charges against assets and obtaining goods.
  • Criminal Fraud – Using another’s identity when held responsible for a crime.
  • Offences against the government e.g. benefit fraud and tax evasion.
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Prevalence & Statistics

I.T. availability and understanding grows amongst the world’s population as does the increase of Identity Theft.  Those who perpetrate this crime constantly invent new ways of obtaining the victims personal and private information.

In June 2005  reported that its study returned that 13% of all internet users had stated that they or a member of their household had been the victim of identity theft.  In today’s terms there are estimated to be in the region of 1.1 Billion internet users which at 13% identifies a staggering 143 Million cases of identity theft.( )

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**** A very good introduction to this interesting topic