Internet Identity Theft and Possible Solutions

Identity theft has been on the rise for years. Identity theft has always been a problem but it was not a problem of exuberant proportions like it is now. The growth is due to the internet and how easy it has become for thieves to steal identities. Stealing identities takes many forms. It could be someone stealing a credit card and using it to make purchases. It can also be more severe, such as stealing someone’s identity and using it as their own. This form of identity theft is more severe and it takes a lot longer to prove and fix.
Internet identity theft is different from common identity theft in a few ways. Common identity theft takes place after something is physically stolen like a wallet or a purse containing credit cards, driver’s license or a credit card statement from an individual’s or business trash can. These days it is common procedure for the credit card companies to monitor card activity and if they see something unusual the customer will be notified and the credit card will be frozen from further use. The credit card will be active once it is established the card holder was aware of the purchases.
While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and a lot of time repairing damage to their name and credit report. Some people victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit. The (Federal Trade Commision) states, “as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. The FTC also states, “Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.”
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