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Your Identity Is Free Game 
By: Aazdak Alisimo
The massive conversion to computers and the web has made our lives much easier. We can communicate and process information at unbelievable speeds. Such efficiency, however, comes with a price more and more of us are having to pay.
Data breaches and the resulting identity theft situations are a definite price of the modern computer age. The first step is, of course, the data breach which is simple some act that successfully eludes a security system to access financial information.
The average identity theif is not looking for just any old information. They are focused on the holy grail of private information, your legal name, address, SS# and phone number. Bank and credit card info is also going to raise an eyebrow.
Fortunately, most databases do not contain all this information. This makes capturing your email a priority. Once they have it, a hacker is then going to send you an email trying to entice you to provide the missing information needed.
These fraudulent emails are often designed to use the credibility of a legitimate site. You may receive the information allegedly from the IRS, Home Depot or some other well-known entity. One you click through to the site, however, it is only a copy.
If you are unlikely, the theif will eventually get his or her hand on your information. The next result is to make money off of it through identity theft. There are a couple ways this typically occurs.
The primery way criminals make money using your information is pretty much what you expect. They either misuse your current credit card accounts or, alternatively, your sensitive financial information is used to open entirely new cards.
A less obvious, but more effective form of identity theft, is the selling of the information for true identity theft. In this case, a person is truly stealing your identity and using it in every day things. Why would they do this?
There are more than a few people that would like to start over in life. Specifically, they are running from obligations or the law. This constitutes the first reason people are willing to pay big bucks to start a second life under your name.
One of the more controversial issues today, illegal immigration, also gives rise to identity theft. Many jobs now require an applicant to present a social security card. Illegals don't have them, so they are willing to buy yours and use it!
Despite assurances from credit card companies and the government, identity theft is here to stay. It is a relatively small price we pay for the efficiency of modern life. Be careful with your information and monitor your credit report.
Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles
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