How Does Identity Theft Happen by Computer?
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Email
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Identity theft on the Internet often happens when a person is fooled into giving out personal information in response to a scam email message. This is known as "phishing" because criminals are fishing for information. These messages usually claim to be from a bank, PayPal, the IRS or another financial or governmental institution. They claim that the recipient must respond immediately or risk account closure or some other negative consequence. Some demand an immediate response to claim a benefit such as a tax refund. When the recipient follows the link in the email, he is asked to enter personal details that can be used for identity theft.
Spyware
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Identity theft on the Internet can happen when a computer user inadvertently downloads spyware. The program then collects personal information, such as credit card numbers and bank account numbers, as the person enters them in the course of normal Internet use. This information is sent to criminals who use it to steal her identity. Spyware is typically downloaded when the person is tricked into downloading a dangerous email attachment or when she visits a website that is infected with malicious code.
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Instant Messaging
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Criminals often use chatrooms to solicit personal information via instant messaging. They may claim to have a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity or say they are looking for a relationship. They gain a victim's confidence and manage to get enough information to commit identity theft.
Dating Websites
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Identity thieves often sign up for dating websites to search for vulnerable victims. They lure in someone searching for a partner, then gradually draw out his personal information. They may claim to need money for airfare to come to visit him or say that a relative was wrongly jailed and needs bail money. The sob stories vary, but the object is to get bank account or credit card information.
Fake e-Commerce Websites
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Criminals often set up fake e-commerce websites offering products at ridiculously low prices. To place an order, a person must enter her personal information and credit card or PayPal details. There really is no merchandise for sale. The people behind the website are using it strictly to harvest information for identity theft.
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Resources
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