Online Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing concern, and when most people think of identity theft, they think of online identity theft. Although online identity theft is not the only kind of identity theft out there, it can be the hardest to detect and protect oneself against, which is why online identity theft can be such great source of anxiety for many computer users. However, the more you learn about online identity theft, the better able you will be to protect yourself, and the less you will have to fear.

What Is Basic Identity Theft?

Basic identity theft is when someone appropriates your personal information and uses it for his or her own ends. For example, someone may memorize your credit card number or ATM card number and use it to make purchases, or they may forge documents with your name and social security number to secure a loan. If you are vigilant, it can be hard for identity thieves to take advantage of you, but they can be tricky. For example, they may solicit personal information from you via phone, pretending to be a trusted authority or company.

What Is Online Identity Theft?

As with many things in society, the Internet has made identity theft easier, and now many identity thieves can operate in the comfort of their own homes through the Internet. In online identity theft, the perpetrator uses the Internet to steal your personal information. They can do this directly, through something called “phishing,” where the thief sends an email or instant message from an official-looking source soliciting private information, or they can do it indirectly. The indirect way by using programs called spyware, which is malicious software designed to steal your personal information like passwords, bank account numbers, or credit info. It works by hiding in a program that looks beneficial or harmless. When you download that program, you get the spyware with it. Without your knowledge, that spyware program then transmits personal information from your computer to potential perpetrators of online identity theft. You may not even find out that your identity has been stolen until your computer crashes, your credit card fails to work, or the police show up at your door.

How Can You Defend Yourself Against Online Identity Theft?

Fortunately, there are ways you can defend yourself against online identity theft. For one, you should never respond to an email or instant message requesting a password or other sensitive information. If you are concerned that a real company may need your information, go to their website directly by typing the URL directly into your web browser. As far as spyware goes, your best bet is to get yourself a quality anti spyware software program like Anti-Spyware for Dummies. You can download the trial version of this software for free. It will scan your system for spyware and alert you to any threats you need to be aware of. Then you can buy the license for the full software and use it to eliminate those threats and keep yourself safe from online identity theft.