No one can doubt the immeasurable benefits of the information revolution. Today, thanks to e-mail and the Internet, many of us are more productive, informed and connected than ever before. Unfortunately, as a result, we are also more vulnerable.
The statistics are startling. Research by Harris Interactive in 2003 found that nearly seven million people were victims of identity theft in the previous 12 months, up 80 percent from the year before.
Identity theft can take many forms. It typically occurs when someone uses your name and confidential information- including your Social Security number, date of birth and mother's maiden name - to do something you didn't authorize. Perpetrators may take out a loan, use your credit card, open a new credit card in your name or withdraw money from your account.
Read the entire article here,
http://www.crime-research.org/news/15.11.2005/1627/
|