When you watch or read the news, there are often stories about thefts of personal information or identity theft.

But what is identity theft??

Identity theft is a situation where someone uses your personal information for illegal activities such as purchasing items under your identity. If an identity thief gets hold of your social security number, they might be able to open credit cards in your name and make purchases, or they might even gain access to your savings, checking and other personal accounts. They might get your information through an internet or telephone scam, or by stealing your mail, or even by ‘dumpster diving’ by going through your trash.

Young people are often negligent in taking steps to prevent information fraud; as a result they are often victimized by identity thieves.   As a result, the victims often have to spend considerable time fixing  the financial mess and untangling the administrative issues.

Identity thieves often know their victims; either directly or indirectly. Thieves might be their roommates, siblings of friends, classmates, co-workers, current or ex-boy/girlfriends, friends from extra-curricular activities, etc.

Names, addresses, birthdates, social security numbers, account numbers, and other personal data are valuable commodities on the underground market. An ex-boy/girl friend could easily possess all of this info. In fact, they might even know inside information such as passwords, PIN number, mother’s maiden name, etc.