Identity Theft On The Internet
There are a lot of films out there that portray what a powerful criminal tool the internet is. Most of these show hackers stealing document files online. But did you know that identity theft can occur on the internet as well?
In today's world, the internet has become a haven for criminals and scam-artists. Most of these criminals gain access to passwords, personal data, and identifying information in order to gain access to a person's assets.
Most of this information can be acquired via various forms of spam email. Another method crooks use to get your information is by getting the victim to sign up on a website that promises him/her profits. This allows the criminal to secretly gather your information. Later on, they use it to impersonate the victim.
But criminals aren't just looking for your bank account number or social security number. They try to find out about your lifestyle as well. This enables them to do more spying.
But how does all of this happen?
Cookies play an important role. The cookie is a piece of text which the web server leaves on your computer to allow you to easily access information in the future. Cookies have information about the user's personal preferences. It can also carry information about which sites the user has visited, the email sent, and even which advertisements the user has clicked on.
Most cookies are harmless, but criminals use the cookie as a tracking device. Not only that, they use it to get precious personal data. A cookie also gives criminals an idea of in which of your areas of interest they should perpetrate the scam.
Most internet thieves use software to get access to public data records. Out of public records, the thief can get information like the victim's date of birth, their surname, maiden name, address, social security number, and more.
Aside from public record databases, most of the thieves use web-links. They just type in the Social Security number to get the info they need. The internet connects them to a search engine, which, according to recent information, has about 95 identity sites. Basically, the criminal can just click on the person's file and all their personal information will pop up.
Some criminals create fake websites. If the viewer of one of these websites subscribes, and enters his or her personal information, all of that personal information then falls into the hands of the criminal.
Beware -- any machine in a public place is distributed to multiple users. When you make a purchase online, the website will leave a tracking cookie on your computer. If someone finds that information on the internet, he or she could try to acquire something from the store on your account.
There are other hackers that use encryption software. This software can be used to mix credit card numbers. This allows the criminal to figure out your number.
Keep in mind that sending your personal identification number to an online store is not completely safe. The only time encryption happens is when the viewer uses a secure shopping site. If it is encrypted, the site will show a padlock icon in the lower corner of the web browser.
Most internet identity theft criminals want to have access to someone's personal account. Most of them intend to start spending money and take the identity to make new purchases.
For instance, many of the criminals have poor credit and do not have the capacity to take out a loan. Because of this, they get someone else's account to use in an internet transaction.
With the beginning of this internet fraud, identity theft has become a profitable industry. Criminals, hackers, and scam-artists have easier and quicker access to classified data around the globe.
In order to prevent this from happening to you, you should be very careful transacting business on the web. Look for the padlock icon in the bottom corner of your browser before hitting the "checkout" button.
Want to learn more?
Protect your family against identity theft and lots more with "Safeguarding Your Family's Health, Wealth, & Happiness ... How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe".
This info-packed ebook covers identity theft, computer viruses, scams, terrorism, poisoning, and even natural disasters. And now, for a limited time, you can get your copy free.
Click Here Now: http://www.autopilot101.com/free/book_IDtheft/index.htm
Also, check out "FINANCIAL FREEDOM: A Wealth Manual For The Middle Class" by Dr. Bryan Stoker free online at
http://www.autopilot101.com/free/book_FF/index.htm
And don't miss more than 770 ways to slash your bills with our online home study course, "MONEY SECRETS". Check it out at
http://www.autopilot101.com/free/book_MS/index.htm
More Articles
Identity Theft Is There Hope For Victims?
Protection Against Identity Theft
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft Online
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft.
Preventing Online Identity Theft
Protecting Your Identity On Social Networking Websites
What You Need To Know About The Statistics On Identity Theft
Will Your Business Be A Victim Of Identity Theft?
"Phishing" On The "Pharm": How Thieves Combine Two Techniques To Steal Your Identity
Related Products And FREE Videos
More Articles
... Protect your family against identity theft and lots more with "Safeguarding Your Family's Health, Wealth, & Happiness ... How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe". This info-packed ebook covers identity theft, computer viruses, scams, terrorism, poisoning, and even natural disasters. And now, for a limited time, you can get your copy free. Click Here Now: http://www.autopilot101.com/free/book_IDtheft/index.htm ...
Identity Theft Website: Knowing Your Rights
... to prevent this life-changing experience from occurring, you should look for information on identity theft websites. You need to understand that identity theft is a serious crime wherein the criminal can use your personal information, such as Social Security Number, credit card and bank account numbers, telephone calling card numbers and other personal data that criminals may use for personal profit ...
What You Need To Know About The Statistics On Identity Theft
... so Dramatically There are many different reasons as to why the statistics on identity theft have increased so dramatically over the years, especially as of recently, and one of the main reasons is because of how technologically advanced the world is today. What with the massive use of computers and the Internet in the world of today, it is so much easier for people to be able to steal someone else s ...
5 Tips For Identity Theft Protection
... make copies of your driver s license, social security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a locked box or file cabinet, or a safe deposit box. I like the safe deposit box best, because this gives you protection in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, earthquake, etc. This may all seem like a lot of unnecessary work, but if you re ever the victim of identity theft even just once ...
Don't Be A Victim Of Identity Theft
... credit card companies. Don't wait an entire day do it the minute they're discovered to be missing. Monitor credit reports on a regular basis, and watch for anything suspicious. If anything out of the ordinary appears, investigate it right away. Want to learn more? Protect your family against identity theft and lots more with "Safeguarding Your Family's Health, Wealth, & Happiness ... How to Keep Your ...