Identity Theft

Identity Theft
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Institution
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Identity Theft
Introduction
Identity theft has been in existence throughout history, whereby a dishonest person personates someone else. This is often because of some political, social or financial gain. For a person to falsely present himself as different person in order to deceive others, this violates the impersonated person’s rights and dignity. With the advancement of technology, identity theft is a widespread issue. With access to names, social security numbers and other personal information of other people, identity thieves can steal identities, leaving the victims suffering from the damages they have incurred. This is a serious problem that costs the victims and the government millions of dollars in terms of losses (Hedayati, 2012). In understanding the issue of identity theft, it is necessary to examine its meaning and patterns besides looking at how information technology has played a major role in promoting the vice. The paper further examines the various ways used by different parties to curb the problem.
Identity Theft Definition
Identity theft has become a common crime as more than ten million people fall victim of this crime (Identity Theft Journal, 2015). Identity theft transpires when someone uses another person’s personal information such as the name, social security number or credit card number, without permission. The term identity theft is often used to describe various crimes including counterfeiting, forgery, and auto theft using false documentation whereby individual personal information is used to commit fraud. The ordeal violates people’s basic liberties in that everyone has the right to own personality without impersonation or duplication. Identity theft violates people’s right to privacy because by gaining access to someone’s personal information, violates the individual’s privacy. Other ways of violating one‘s privacy include physically stealing a credit card, social security card or drivers license. Furthermore, malicious spyware and viruses that gain access to individuals’ computers without their authority violate the individuals’ privacy (Identity Theft Journal, 2015).
Overview of Identity Theft
Several research groups have identified several ways in which identity theft occur. According to Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), identity theft commonly occurs through the internet (Identity Theft Journal, 2015). A report released in 2007 estimated that approximately 8 million people have experience identity theft totaling to $16 billion, globally. It is not easy to ascertain the exact financial implication of this vice because the estimates vary. However, reports indicate that the costs are extremely high estimated at over $50 billion yearly (Identity Theft Journal, 2015).
The Victims and the Offenders
According to ITRC, consumers aged 25-54 years especially those with higher levels of income as high as $275,000 are the main target (Identity Theft Journal, 2015). Furthermore, households headed by women with more than three children and also consumers residing in the Pacific States are at greater risks of identity theft. However, reports outline that old people and people living i...