The User Level: Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when a person unlawfully obtains and uses the identity of another person to commit a fraud, theft or deception. By wrongfully acquiring another’s personal data such as Social Security Number, mother’s maiden name, bank account number or credit card number, identity thieves can perform many acts, most commonly opening bank or credit card accounts in the victim’s name. Identity thieves are both creative and bold . . . they have even secured auto loans in the victim’s name.