How Is Identity Theft Done?

There are a number of different ways that identity theft is done. While most people only worry about getting their identity stolen online, but the truth is most identity thieves still get your identity the old fashioned way.

One of the most common ways for thieves to get their hands on your information is through your mail. Think about it, there probably isn’t a lock on your mail box and it almost always contains mail that has important information on it. Anyone who wants to can simply open it and take what they need.

Some other “old fashioned” ways that criminals can get a hold of your information are dumpster diving and point of sale theft. Dumpster diving is exactly what is sounds like; the thief goes through your garbage and searches for any juicy (sometimes literally) pieces of information they can find. Point of sale theft is where a cashier, or other employee, steals your information after you make a purchase.

Most of the time your transactions online are usually safer than the ones you would do at a store. Your information is encrypted and there are no paper trails or human go betweens that could allow your information to slip into the wrong hands. However, there are a few ways that your identity can be stolen online if you are not vigilant.

One of the easiest ways that an identity thief can get a hold of your information online is called phishing. Phishing is when a crook sets up a fake email address and website which are designed to look like the real thing. They then send you an email address asking you to fill out a form to reset your password for “security purposes”. What is really happening is you are handing them your information on a silver platter. Banks and online payment sites like PayPal are the most common targets for phising scams.

It is also possible for a thief to get a virus or spyware onto your computer and steal your information. Visiting sites in “bad neighborhoods” (porn, gambling, illegal downloads) are some of the most common places that these programs are downloaded onto your computer.

As you can see there are many different ways for an identity thief to get your private person information.