What Is Identity Theft?
Identity Theft is when your personal information has been stolen in order to steal your identity. Thieves assume your identity for devastating criminal activities, like filing fake tax returns, opening new accounts, buying or renting properties, vehicles, and worse. Over 30 million people had their identities stolen last year, and this is growing exponentially every year.
Dumpster Diving
Thieves will resort to going through your trash bins in search of documents that may contain personal information. Shredding old bills, receipts, and other documents may not be enough to protect you from theft.
Data Breaches
Hackers exploit poor corporate and website security, bypassing your tough passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) in many cases, reaching directly into the corporate customer account databases. This even includes insurance and medical companies, where very sensitive data is stored. Once hackers get your data, they may use it partially and merge it with other Dark Web data breaches about you in order to get a more sophisticated identity about you that they can exploit.
Mail Theft
Thieves can easily steal sensitive information from unlocked mailboxes giving them access to your personal details. Bank statements, tax forms, bills, and even checks are target items in Mail Theft.
Malware and Viruses
There are too many unsafe links available on the internet just waiting to be clicked by an unaware user. Before you know it, a virus has been downloaded onto your device (PC, smartphone, tablet, etc.) and a hacker potentially has access to all of your data.
ATM Overlays
An ATM overlay, otherwise known as a "Credit Card Skimmer", is a malicious device thieves use to steal your credit card information. They can be found at ATMs or gas stations disguised as legitimate card slots and keypads. When you insert your card, the device creates a copy of the information on your card's magnetic strip. They can then use a small camera above the keypad to record you as you type your PIN.
Address Change
Once a thief gains access to your personal information they can then change your home address and therefore have your mail sent to them instead.