Undressing the Real Identity Thief

Written on December 30, 2009 – 4:40 am | by admin

There are 2 kinds of “gifted computer programmers.” One programmer programs to protect while the other programmer programs to hack. These hackers hack a system neither for good reasons nor good intentions but to, more often than not, steal other people’s identity and create loan applications or purchase grocery items under an innocent victim’s name. Nobody wants to have their identities stolen. And this is mainly because first, it means facing court trials to prove innocence and second, because you cannot afford to have a low credit score.

You may not know it, but the old guy next to you in the bus station can be an identity thief. The point is; they can be anybody (your friend, your friendly neighbor or even the smiling cashier at your favorite caf). The worse thing is, they can even be part of an identity theft ring or an organization of 5-10 people with the same motto in life (to steal from unsuspecting victims) that may even be related to an even bigger mafia connected to other countries.

How does the “stealing” begin? One thing if for sure though, there will be no blood involved (leave that to author Robert Ludlum) all these thieves need is just a computer, a hacker (a team member or himself) and an internet connection (which is very easy to find these days, you see internet shops in every corner of a street or mall).

Hackers start by entering the mainframe of computer systems and infiltrating information databases. Using their unique talent in searching for possible candidates, they begin to steal information on the victim’s credit card, driver’s license and credit report among others. Once this has been done, they can now pretend to be the innocent victim and apply for loans, purchase a Hermes Bag (even if it is not on sale) and even withdraw money online.

The victim, on the other hand, will start receiving phone calls about the sudden change in his purchasing behavior (you suddenly had an inclination to million dollar things) or his sudden need to rush his loan applications. Do not sit back and wait for those phone calls to start ringing in your head. There are ways to prevent these smart thieves from infiltrating your system and your hard-earned money.

Be very wary of the information that you dispose of whether it is on the internet, in banks or even in department store. You may not be aware of it but disposing this information in unsecured ways is synonymous to opening your doors and welcoming thieves.

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