A Startling Epidemic
Envision a world where you can leave your doors unlocked and lost belongings returned just as they were. Now stop! This type of utopia, an impossible place, does not exist in our modern society. Karl Marx envisioned a “perfect place” that is impossible in our world because it required people acting in ways that they are not inclined to act. At the dawn of the 21st century, many crimes have arisen, crimes in which individuals have no indication that they have been victims. In many instances we pretend to be someone to fool other individuals for our own benefits. Identity thieves acquire identities to develop an individual they have always dreamt of. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. Each year millions of Americans are victims of this serious crime, and its consequences are startling. However, there are many ways we can protect ourselves from being an identity theft victim.
Identity theft is a federal crime, occurring when someone assumes another’s personal information and uses it for fraudulent purposes. Imposters illegally use someone’s personal data for financial gains. Unlike fingerprints, which are unique and cannot be given to someone else for their use, personal data, especially Social Security number, bank account or credit card number, telephone calling card, and other valuable identifying data can be used, if they fall into the wrong hands, to personally profit at one’s expense (Identity Theft: USDOJ). There are many ways identity thieves acquire information by dumpster diving, skimming, and old-fashioned stealing. Dumpster diving is when thieves go through the dumpster to find any personal information. Thieves steal credit or debit card numbers by using a special storage device, called skimming. Old-fashioned stealing includes stealing wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information (Majoras). Carnegie Mellon...