Introduction to Identity Theft

What is identity theft or identity fraud?

Identity theft is the unauthorized use of your personal identifying information by anyone who intends to impersonate you or to conduct any activities in your name. The thief may impersonate you online, by mail, over the telephone or in person. Most Identity theft is very low tech. Almost all of it occurs when someone steals, or copies the information from, your credit, ATM or debit cards, checkbook, wallet or purse or your mail. Only about 10 percent happens online, but this percentage is increasing. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States, but there is much you can do to keep it from happening to you. For a tabular summary of types of identity theft, see Trends in Identity Theft published by the National Center for State Courts (http://www.ncsconline.org/D_KIS/Trends/2005/PriPubIDTheft.html).

Who is affected by it?

The identities of millions of Americans are stolen annually. Identity theft accounts for more than 40 percent of all complaints filed with the FTC. It's Cyber-crime and is growing faster than the police or courts ability to deal with it.

What does personal identifying information include?

• Name
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Official state or government issued driver’s license or identification number
• Alien registration number
• Employer or taxpayer identification number
• Unique biometric data such as a fingerprint, voice print, retina or iris image
• Unique electronic identification number, address or routing code
• Telecommunication identifying information or access device

Go to Identity Theft main page.

Content last updated April 28, 2005 by dlschmid
Page last modified January 11, 2006 by cawalker