What is personal information theft?
Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.
What do you do if someone steals your personal information?
Report Identity Theft. Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will collect the details of your situation.
What kind of information can be stolen online?
Your personal identifying information could include your full name, home address, email address, online login and passwords, Social Security number, driver’s license number, passport number, or bank number. Once thieves access this information, they may use it to commit identity theft or sell it on the dark web.
How is personal information stolen online?
Spyware transmits your sensitive data, using your own internet connection. While your computer is connected to the Internet, spyware quietly transmits your personal information to cybercriminals, which can include: Credit card numbers. Bank account numbers.
What is cybercrime theft?
What is the crime of Identity Theft? Under RA 10175, Computer-related Identity Theft is the intentional acquisition, use, misuse, transfer, possession, alteration or deletion of identifying information belonging to another, whether natural or juridical, without right.
What are three ways personal information can be used fraudulently?
An identity thief can use your name and information to:
- buy things with your credit cards.
- get new credit cards.
- open a phone, electricity, or gas account.
- steal your tax refund.
- get medical care.
- pretend to be you if they are arrested.
Is identity theft invasion of privacy?
Abstract: Identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes. Most people are unaware of the amount of data they disclose over all the Internet services proposed by search engines, social networking sites, e-commerce web sites, free online tools, etc.
What does the term theft of information mean?
Since that time, the definition of identity theft has been statutorily defined throughout both the U.K. and the United States as the theft of personally identifiable information. Identity theft deliberately uses someone else’s identity as a method to gain financial advantages or obtain credit and other benefits, [2] [3] and perhaps to cause other person’s disadvantages or loss.
How to protect yourself from identify theft?
– Safeguard your Social Security Number. Your SSN is the primary way that institutions identify you and track financial and legal activity. – Keep your personal information to yourself. – Secure your mail. – Ensure your online activity is secure. – Safeguard your online accounts. – Keep an eye on your bank accounts. – Review your credit reports.
Is the highjacking of personal information?
In effect, it’s a form of identity theft, and the consequences could be devastating. If your social media profile is compromised, for example, crooks can get in touch with your friends and send them malicious links or files.
What to do if your identity is stolen?
Recently, the FTC explained what happens to stolen identities. First, your stolen identity could be used to open a new credit account or service plan. Obtain a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and check for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.