Identity Crime – A Common Crime Today

There is a very high rate of crime everywhere. However the most common crime is identity theft. But unfortunately many people around the globe are unaware of this serious identify theft. Illegally using someone’s name or identity for some personal transaction is the identity theft. This is a silent crime which is very common now days. Many people come to know about this crime once the criminal has done it.

The question which is asked by everyone is who can be the criminal? Criminal can be anyone. He can be someone from your house or your office. Anyone who gets your identity card or any personal documents like your C.V, your degree or even credit card can use it without letting you know. Using you identity card anyone can miss use it and you will suffer from all the claim of this miss use. Most of the people look for someone else identity card or passport to apply for any visa or immigration. The criminal can be your friend, colleague or some unknown person.

There are two types of identity

1. Account takeover
2. True name theft

Account takeover identity theft or financial identity theft is using some one’s name or detail in order to make any transaction or withdraw money from the current account of the victim. It also includes the use of credit card, debit card or master card of the victim. Often the identity is used or stolen in terms to buy any product online using your name, address or credit card number.

True name identity theft is using some one’s personal information in terms of opening a new account in the name of the victim, or renewing the credit card. This sometimes can get the victim into serious trouble as the criminal can open a new checking account using someone else’s information and can sign a blank check which can cause a real problem to the victim.

These identity thefts are very easy to attempt using internet as anyone can open a new account, get some cellular service or make any online transaction as internet now do not ask for the complete and real verification from the costumer which however is a big disadvantage.

Not getting accused of this identity theft requires some important precautions which are as follow

• Do not let anyone to use your identity card without your permission
• Make sure that you have your identity card. Don’t assume that you have it.
• Take the complete information of the person to whom you are giving your identity card.