Preventing+Identity+Theft


 * What is Identity Theft?**

Identity theft is usually done so for economic gain and sometime criminals may even use it to obtain fraudulent ID cards, Drivers Licences, birth certificates, travel visas, and otehr official government papers.
 * "Identity theft"** is when someone obtains and wrongfully uses someone elses personal data in a way that may involve fraudulant actitivity. The personal data may consist of any of the following:
 * Name
 * Date of birth
 * Social Insurance or Security Number
 * Driver's Licence Number
 * Credit Card or bank account number
 * or even Health Card Number



Fingerprints are the only thing that cannot be stolen and fraudulently used against you. However, once personal data is in the wrong hands it can allow someone to profit in many ways at your expense. The scariest part is that most victims are often unaware that their identity has been stolen in one way or another.

How can you prevent Identity theft online:
 * There are many more disadvantages to the victim if they have to experience identity theft. Including:**
 * the hassel of closing all bank accounts
 * Creating new government documents with long, tiring procedures
 * enduring all out-of-pocket expenses and no compensation from anyone
 * May be denied jobs, loans, education, housing and cars
 * Could get arrested for crimes you did not even commit.

Other than keeping your personal documents in a safe and secure place, one must realize that the Internet could be a treasure chest for Identity thieves. Social Insurance Numbers, Financial Account Information, tax records, School transcripts and much more may be stored on the computer and easily accessible for a thief.
 * Ways to prevent Identity Theft may include the following”**

Hamilton, Richard M. "Keeping Kids Safe Online." __Police Notebook__. 7 Jan. 2005. OUPD. 22 Feb. 2006 .
 * **One must remember to update your virus protection software regularly****,** or when a new virus alert is announced. There are now over 500 new computer viruses each month, therefore it becomes critical to safeguard yourself and identity from the viruses. Make sure to install really effective anit-virus systems on your computer.
 * Run anti-virus software **on all your computers** —even those you don't use to surf/access the Internet.
 * **Never download files sent to you by strangers** or click on hyperlinks from people you don't know. Once you open a file it may contain a virus and infect your computer allowing others to hack into your computer system.
 * Remember to use a **firewall** program, especially if you're using a high-speed Internet connection like satellite, cable-modem, DSL, or T1, which leaves your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day.
 * References:


 * Google Image:** "Identity Theft Restoration." __Google Images__. 2006. Kroll Inc. 22 Feb. 2006 .