| There are several reasons why an unscrupulous | | | | Identity thieves are also able to commit fraud when |
| individual would steal someone else's identity. It would | | | | they get information about a person, specifically his |
| be worthwhile to know these so that a person can | | | | social security number [SSN]. This is the reason a |
| better protect himself from identity thieves. | | | | person must keep his SSN - besides his bank account |
| One common reason for misrepresenting one's | | | | numbers and credit card or debt card pin numbers - |
| identification is to purchase items at the expense of | | | | confidential. |
| the other. A dishonest individual can do this by using | | | | Third reason for this type of theft is so that the |
| another person's credit or debit card, and mis-declaring | | | | offender may engage in criminal activity without a high |
| himself as the owner. | | | | probability of being caught by police. If this is the case, |
| Given the high number of cases of stolen credit cards, | | | | the victim will be the one held liable for criminal liabilities |
| everyone must be very careful not to misplace their | | | | and face the consequences. |
| valuables. A consumer must be conscious about | | | | Identity theft has become more sophisticated and |
| where he places his card, and put it inside his wallet | | | | rampant. More people are becoming victims, whether |
| immediately after making a payment for a purchase. | | | | rich or regular working individuals. Virtually everybody is |
| There are a lot of instances when consumers would | | | | exposed to the risk of being a victim, and so utmost |
| forget taking credit cards back after giving these to | | | | caution is necessary. |
| cashiers. There are also instances when grocery staff | | | | There have been syndicates whose "business" is to |
| or cashiers themselves illegitimately use credit cards | | | | steal identities, particularly by determining people's |
| left by their customers. | | | | SSNs, and then selling the information to other people. |
| The second most common reason for such theft is to | | | | It is an advantage if a person simply memorizes his |
| apply for utility services -- such as mobile phone, cable | | | | bank account numbers, credit card pins, etc., instead of |
| television, and landline phone, among others -- using | | | | writing these down in notebooks that can be easily |
| another person's name. Doing so will allow the thief to | | | | taken by anyone. If memorizing all these numbers is |
| enjoy these services without paying the bills. The costs | | | | impossible, one may write these down but be sure the |
| of services will be charged to the victim of this kind of | | | | notebook is kept on a safe place, such as inside a |
| theft until the latter learns about it and reports it to | | | | safety deposit box. |
| authorities. | | | | |