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Identity Theft Paper

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Submitted By ice16house
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Identity Theft John Smith
Concepts and Applications of Information Technology
7 April 2012
Richard Jones

Identity Theft Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It’s a serious crime that can damage your finances, credit history, and reputation. It can take time, money, and patience to resolve. Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. Furthermore, the internet offers access to a world of products and services, entertainment and information. At the same time, it creates opportunities for scammers, hackers, and identity thieves (Privacy and Identity). Identity thieves are resourceful. They dig through your garbage, the trash of businesses, or public dumps. They may work or pretend to work for legitimate companies, medical offices, clinics, pharmacies, or government agencies, or convince you to reveal personal information. Some thieves pretend to represent an institution you trust, and try to trick you into revealing personal information by email or phone. Some of the clues that your identity has been stolen are for example: withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain; don’t get your bills or other mail; debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours; unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report; medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use; IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name; get notice that your information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account (Privacy and Identity). Taking action quickly can stop an identity thief from doing more damage. Follow these three steps as soon as possible: place

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