In order to prevent and potentially solve identity theft, one has to know its causes and the different types of theft. This crime ranges from financial, medical, child, and criminal identity theft. All equally serious, but they all have different consequences. Everyday essentials like credit cards, driver's license, and other personal information can potentially put one at risk for identity theft, if misplaced. Simple items like the ones listed above are portals to personal information, which can be used to take advantage of someone's identity. As simply as someone forgetting …show more content…
their wallet, would enable thieves to apply for jobs with someones name, open credit card accounts, and apply for loans. This can be very disastrous and life ruining for those affected.
Their are effective ways in preventing such an event from happening, which are quite simple.
One way of securing important information is by shredding any outdated documents and keeping tabs on who enters your house and what they see. Somethings are more trivial like keeping an eye on ones credit card at all times and never giving out information to anyone by phone or via email. And if personal information is compromised, like lets say an individual loses their wallet with their credit cards in it, then a step one can make is by canceling credit cards. This would foil any potential identity thieves from taking advantage of their victims. However, even though one may not have lost a credit card, it is still important to check credit reports and transactions. As safeguard, monitoring credit activity is key as it helps to identify any irregular
transaction.
If identity theft does happen to someone, there are ways to solve the issue at hand. Once suspicious activity is caught by the victim they should report it immediately to their bank or creditor. From their creditors and banks determine if fraud is being done with one's personal information. They do everything in their power to stop thieves in their tracks, and protect credit card owner integrity. And so, the next step would to contact the police and make a report, in hopes of arresting the criminal. Contacting social security fraud hotline would be beneficial as a precaution, so that they would send investigative teams to know how, where, and when the personal information was used.
In conclusion, identity theft is an ever present occurrence, which can drastically change a victim's life. Yet, such an event can be avoidable if proper steps are taken by the individual. However, if identity theft does happen, there are steps to recuperate their information.