Identity Theft

This describes a crime that is becoming much more widespread, especially with the higher degree of technology available to today’s criminal. Identity theft involves using another’s personal identification or credit related information to illicitly gain cash, goods or services.

Any personal information or credit information that is not carefully guarded can provide a window of opportunity for these predatory thieves. Therefore, the consumer must protect himself or herself by being aware.

It is imperative to pay attention to how service workers handle a credit card and any resulting paper information. The credit card should not be allowed to be taken out of the consumer’s sight, as is frequently done in restaurants.

Documents with sensitive information should be shredded before they are put in the trash. Consumers should also frequently check current and complete credit reports, enabling them to be aware of irregularities as soon as possible.