Identity+Theft

Identity theft The issue of identity theft in Australia is a rising concern that needs to be addressed. Identity theft is a type of fraud. It is committed to steal money or other benefits by pretending to be someone else. The issue is particularly a problem on social networking sites, where users have been using another person’s name and details to create an account. Personal details can include information such as social security numbers, driving license numbers and account information. Some users have created a fake identity to allow them to then attempt to gather another’s identities. There are many different ways in which it can happen; other examples include somebody using your credit card details illegally to make purchases, to the extent of somebody using your details and identity to open bank accounts, take out loans and carry out illegal business. Identity theft is an issue for many reasons. It can be financially and emotionally devastating. Statistics have shown that there is an average of seven to ten million victims of identity theft every year. Numbers are also set to go up with the problem quickly growing. It has become one of the fastest growing criminal activities. Identity theft is especially an issue when it occurs on social networking sites; the safety and security of users of the site can be put at risk. This also puts many younger people, such as children and teenagers, in danger. A good example of the significance of this issue is the site that was created online where fake identities can be paid for, to then create fake accounts. There are many strategies that can be implemented to prevent identity theft from occurring. Lack of awareness and education of identity theft is half of the problem; improving both of these can help prevent it from happening. Laws regarding identity theft are set to be made stricter. Despite it being hard to prove a fraud laws include offences for wrongly used identification to obligate a crime. The new laws would apply to the entire country with the crimes being punishable by up to a five year jail sentence. Another strategy that can prevent identity theft from happening is to make sure that up-to-date anti-virus software and security is installed on personal computers. Simple steps that can be executed to prevent identity theft include... · Destroy private records and statements · Keep mail secure, by collecting mail quickly from a mailbox or keeping a PO box locked · Protecting social security numbers · Keep your credit card with you or in a safe place · Be more protective of giving out personal details; know who you’re giving them out to  **<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> Links ** <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif';">[] <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif';">[] <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif';">[] <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif';">
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