Where Identity Theft Got Started
Posted on March 18, 2008
The history of identity theft goes way back before the days of computers. Examples of embezzlement of money abound where bank functionaries took advantage of their positions and used the information they had at their disposal to defraud their bank clients. Then there are the examples where power of attorney was abused, by someone trusted, and personal property, companies, etc were taken over through misuse of circumstances.
The history of identity theft is also littered with examples of fraudulent withdrawal of cash by the forging of signatures on checks, traveling under other people’s names, obtaining insurance money under other people’s names, etc.
We tend to think of id theft as something new that arrived with the advent of computers but, it is clear if you look into the history of financial matters, that this crime was has been around in one form or another for a very long time. It’s true, computerization and advancement in technology have made it much easier but identity thieves have a long history.
Gaining Access to Your Personal Information
The sources of and crime of identity theft are not new but the methods, in some instances, are. Access to people’s identity and manipulation of such identity for personal gains is now just a click of a mouse away. Even so, some reports claim that about 65% of the identity thefts that take place today are still based on information obtained without the help of computers. Don’t make it easy to steal information, which can be later used as material for an identity theft. Here are some common sources where thieves find such information:
1. Records From Places of Work
Records that are available to certain workers during the course of their jobs, for example, nurses for medical records, bank employees for financial records, insurance employees for insurance records, etc.
2. Theft From Mailboxes
Information can be stolen from your mail (by accessing your mailbox) where your credit card statements are sent and your new checkbooks can be intercepted. It is easy to steal someone’s identity with the help of this information.
3. Trash Cans
A common source for finding personal information is the humble trash can. The papers you throw in there contain vital information, which can be used by those interested to take over your identity. This could include bills, receipts, credit or debit-card slips, bank statements or even unwanted direct mailings that contain your name and address. All such documents should be cut into small pieces or shredded.
4. Lockers and Storage
Lockers at your workplace, gym or hobby class need to be locked in order to keep your wallets, purses and important documents safe. If possible, use your own lock. This will make your locker safe from thieves who may duplicate keys provided by the owners of the building.
Daniel Keen has written many articles about identity theft and how it works. Visit his website for more information about how to avoid identity theft and resources such as the equifax credit watch review. Also, help others protect themselves by sending in your identity theft stories.
Tags: avoid identity theft, id theft, identity fraud, identity theft, identity theft history
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