How does Identity Theft Impact our Society?

Identity Theft is a growing illegal act that has significant negative affects within our society.  Its victims instantaneously lose their personal identity in a matter of seconds which permanently alters their future.

v  “An estimated 11.7 million persons, representing 5% of all persons age 16 or older in the United States, experienced at least one type of identity theft in a 2-year period” (1).

v  Its victims become frantic and stressed because they are aware that someone else has access to their information and are capable of using it any way they desire to. Meanwhile, the victim isn’t knowledgeable of their thief (since majority of identity theft cases aren’t resolved).

v  The identity thief can ruin their victim’s credit which will hinder the victim from living their life comfortably by doing such things as buying their own house and car.

v  The various methods that identity thieves use to steal their victim’s information are common means such as ATM machines, personalized bank checks, driver’s license, personal mail, among others. Unfortunately, people are prone to become the next identity theft victims because people rely on these types of means on a daily basis.

The following is an example of the negative effects of identity theft.

Click on the following links for more information on Identity Theft.

 Statistics on Identity Theft Information

Identity Theft in 2011 in the US

Identity Theft Resources

 

 Any questions/comments/ concerns, feel free to contact me at shpetershartford@yahoo.com
 

Work Cited

 

1)      "Identity Theft Research and Statistics - ITAC Victim Database - Surveys of Identity Theft Victims." Identity Theft Research and Statistics - ITAC Victim Database - Surveys of Identity Theft Victims. Identity Theft Assistance Center, 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://www.identitytheftassistance.org/pageview.php?cateid=47>.

2)      "Identity Fraud Rose 13 Percent in 2011 According to New Javelin Strategy & Research Report." Javelin Strategy -. Javelin Strategy and Research, 22 Feb. 2012. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <https://www.javelinstrategy.com/news/1314/92/Identity-Fraud-Rose-13-Percent-in-2011-According-to-New-Javelin-Strategy-Research-Report/d,pressRoomDetail>.

3)      "SmartTalk Technology: Identity Theft." YouTube. YouTube, 09 Mar. 2009. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FcpX0wxm6s>.

4)      WIVBTV. "Identity Theft: A Nationwide Epidemic." YouTube. YouTube, 17 Oct. 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZNvob5Dl9U>.