Identity theft and fraud
Identity theft and fraud
A crime by definition is an act or an omission that contradicts or goes contrary to the laid down provisions of the law. This in essence means a crime could be as a result of an act that contravenes the law, or failure to act in a certain manner as required by the law. There are many types of crime and identity theft and fraud is a perfect example. Recent statistics by the Federal Bureau of Investigation reveals that more than ever before, the rate of identity theft and fraud has gone considerably high. Perhaps before going further in to our discussion, it would be best to first establish what exactly is identity theft and fraud. Identity theft and fraud basically is obtaining by wrongful means another person’s information or data, and consequently using that information to commit crimes of fraud or deception. The information referred to herein above normally is personal information. A good example of such information includes the number of your driving licence, bank cards, and date of birth among others. The great danger involved in identity fraud is that this information is then used at your expense and to the benefit of those who obtain such information. Identity theft and fraud is committed in a number of ways. The first and the most common way is dumpster diving. This is where the impostors go through trash from your office or area of operation and they are able to obtain some vital information from the trash. Shoulder surfing is yet another way in which identity theft and fraud may be committed. This is where an impostor stands behind a person in a queue and is able to peep through their documents and obtain vital information. Skimming is also a common method of identity theft and fraud where a person is able to get the card details of another person when the card is being processed at a pay point like a restaurant. This is usually done using a device known as a skimmer. Other methods through which identity theft and fraud may be committed include an impostor posing as an employer and demanding to obtain particular details of a person which are then used fraudulently. Theft of records is also a means of identity theft and fraud where one steals the records of the company for instance files and obtains the information which he then uses to commit fraud. Other methods though commonly used in the past to commit identity fraud and theft include stealing purses and wallets that contain documents with personal information. Identity theft and fraud is a serious crime and can attract a heavy penalty if one is found guilty of the same.
