Misconceptions Concerning Identity Theft

Although it remains a major problem identity theft has been on the decline for the past several years. However it still remains the number one complaint among consumers.

There is plenty of information going around with regards to this criminal offense including plenty of misconceptions which can easily have you going in the wrong way.


1. Guarding The SSN Is All That's Required

You will see this on the local and national news a lot. Many experts may say this is all you have to do when it comes to guarding your identity. Regrettably that's not true. The fact of the matter is identity thieves can steal your personal information in a number of different ways without the need to swipe your social security number. Among them is shoulder surfing, skimming, and going through your trash commonly known as dumpster diving.

2. Any Fraudulent Charges Are Your Responsibility

Never allow anybody to pressure you into this if you have been victimized. You are not obligated to pay any fraudulent charges thieves rack up on your accounts. You will discover debt collectors do not care about that. They just want their money. No problem. As long as you remember you aren't the one doing the payback.

3. It Will Not Happen To Me

Name the crime and chances are that everybody at one time or another has said that. Identity theft does not play favorites. While it may be on the decline eight million people last year still had their identities stolen. Factor in that on average the number of people victimized per year was anywhere from 9 to 10 million as well as the multitude of ways thieves can gain access to your personal information and there is no doubt that it can happen to you.

4. Most Identity Thieves Get Caught

Because the police and banks have done a better job when it comes to dealing with identity theft you may think the number of people getting caught is fairly high. Reconsider that thought. According to a study done by the Gartner Group only one in seven hundred identity thieves ever gets arrested. No doubt you have seen news reports of law enforcement officials cracking a major fraud ring. While this is true the overwhelming majority of thefts go unreported let alone anyone getting apprehended.

5. Most Identity Theft Criminals Are Strangers To The Victim

False. And this is what makes identity theft a major problem. In many instances the victim knows exactly who the person is that stole their identity. It can be a co worker, a neighbor who comes to your house or steals your mail, a long time friend or a member of your family. This should also give you a good indication as to why most identity thieves do not get arrested. As bad as it is along with the damage done many people that have been victimized refuse to take the next step of preferring charges against their friends and/or loved ones.

For more information on identity theft and fraud go to somekeyword

You have read the best review article categorized by ask an attorney and the title Misconceptions Concerning Identity Theft. You can bookmark or spread this post by using this URL https://attorneysearchtips.blogspot.com/2012/12/misconceptions-concerning-identity-theft.html. Thank You!