Shocking as it may seem, adults are not the only targets of identity theft in this day and age. Sadly, the identity of minors – including the identities of very young minors – have been targeted by people intent on committing the crime of identity theft in this day and age. Through this article, you are provided an overview of the latest trends as they pertain to identity theft and juveniles.

In this day and age, children have legal identities. At the heart of these legal identities that children do have is the Social Security numbers that they likely were assigned not all that long after they were born. With the success that identity thieves have enjoyed stealing the identities of adults, it really was only a matter of time before people involved in identity theft set their sights on children. (more…)

LifeLock on the Today Show LifeLock on CNN

The CEO of America’s leading identity theft protection service says the evidence is clear

TEMPE, AZ – For the past two years LifeLock CEO Todd Davis has been giving out his real Social Security number to anyone who would listen. On TV, radio, in print – even for this story.

“It’s 457-55-5462,” Davis said in an interview from the headquarters of America’s leading identity theft protection service. “Of course, you should only share your Social Security number when completely necessary, but I give mine out because of my total confidence in LifeLock’s ability to guarantee my good name.”

LifeLock became the industry leader in identity theft protection by taking proactive steps to keep identity thieves from being able to use their members’ identities, even if their members’ personal information gets in the wrong hands.

What LifeLock doesn’t stop, they fix at their expense up to $1,000,000.

But how well does the LifeLock system work? Davis says look at the facts: (more…)

Identity theft is a growing crime, and the crimes that accompany this type of theft is becoming more varied and more popular. So who are the biggest targets for identity theft? Who is at a bigger risk? Could it be you?

If you are wondering who are targets for identity theft, then the answer is simple - everyone! Everyone and anyone that has personal data and information can have it stolen, and it is whether or not you choose to take a few basic steps to protect yourself that changes the chances you have of becoming a target. (more…)

Identity theft is becoming a serious problems in all corners of the globe, and with the advancement of technology like the internet, new ways to steal your identity are coming about every day. It is becoming harder and harder to protect yourself from this crime and ensuring your personal data is safe is becoming a constant struggle. You wouldn’t want to give your personal details to a complete stranger, but the reality is, you are doing this every time you sign up to a social networking site. (more…)

If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, then your first priority will be to act fast, very fast! It only takes a few minutes for somebody with your details to apply for a loan in your name, or to purchase something with your credit cards. The people you should first report to very much depends on the object that you think has been stolen to be used in a case of identity theft. (more…)

If you have been a victim of identity theft, then you can understand how this crime can seriously ruin your life. If you haven’t, then you either have no idea, or only have a faint clue to what it feels like.

The consequences of identity theft are very real and are very distressing. It doesn’t matter for what purposes your identity has been stolen, serious damage can be caused. If somebody has found your details, they can use them for a number of things. For example, next time you throw away an old bank statement or credit card receipt, just think of what could happen if somebody were to find those scraps of paper. Not only will they contain your name and address, but they also contain details of your bank, and credit card details. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that these sorts of information can be used for. (more…)

If you were already worried about the increasing rate of identity theft, and the costs caused to both the companies and the individuals themselves, then you are in for an even bigger worry, and that is the new type of identity theft that is coming about, commonly called pretexting. (more…)

A warning for all internet and email users!

It’s almost Valentine’s Day once again but before opening up that  E-Valentine’s Card, you may want to think again.  It may not be coming from cupid but instead from someone ready to spread the so called Storm Worm virus.

The Storm Worm virus have used the various holidays in the previous year to send out millions of emails and electronic cards such as Valentine’s E-Cards.  It is a malicious software (malware) and it does infect computer machines and made it become a part of of the Storm Worm botnet.  A botnet is a network of compromised machines but under the control of a single user.  Botnets are known to be to be set up to facilitate criminal activity such as phishing, spam emails, identity theft and other servcice attacks to spread malware to other computers online.  When a user clicks on the email link, he automatically downloaded the malware and his computer system is infected.

It is very important to be extra careful in opening up any e-card emails. Make sure that you know the sender before opening e-cards.  Do not open any unsolicited e-mail and if you accidentally opened them, never click on any links provided.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Identity thieves use items like your driver’s license or Social Security number to assume your identity. With just a few items of personal information, an experienced identity thief can open new bank accounts and write bad checks, get new credit card accounts in your name and not pay the bills, get a personal, car loan or cash advances, create cellular phones accounts or utility services and start running up bills, change your mailing address and charge on your existing credit card accounts, illegally obtain employment or rent an apartment but refuse to pay the lease until being evicted. (more…)

A lost or stolen wallet or checkbook is the most common source of information used to commit identity theft. Wallets and checkbooks contain a number of items that are sensitive to the owner and a goldmine for identity thieves.  (more…)