How is Identity Theft Done

Identity theft is one of the prevailing activities of criminals worldwide. It has its own booming black market economy and identity thieves show no signs of slowing down. In fact, Frank W. Abagnale, who wrote the autobiography, Catch Me if You Can, and is also a leading expert for the FBI on subjects such as identity theft and forgery, believes that preventing identity theft is the only true course of action. This brings to the forefront the question, "How is identity theft done?" Following are the activities that identity thieves participate in, in order to steal your identity.

1. E-mail phishing. One of the most common ways that identity thieves procure personal information is by sending out mass e-mails that resemble real e-mails from financial institutions. In these e-mails, the thieves direct you to the financial institution’s Web site, which has either been spoofed or is a dummy site that looks like a banking site. Once there, you’re directed to form that requests personal information, such as usernames and passwords to online accounts. The form also requests information such as full name, address, social security number and personal information such as your mother’s maiden name.

2. Address changes. A well-known method of gaining financial information is for thieves to go down to the post office and change your mail delivery address. By doing this, they can have the mail diverted to a P.O. box or other address where they can receive your mail.

3. Dumpster Diving. By going through your trash, identity thieves can steal credit card offers that you throw away or other mail that contains your personal information. Many times old bills will contain information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers or account numbers.

Thieves will also resort to stealing your wallet or purse in order to get credit card numbers and other personal information. By answering the question, "How is identity theft done?" you can take this knowledge and protect yourself. The key to keeping your identity safe is to safeguard your information at all costs.