History Of Identity Theft May Be Traced To The First Cave
Back when people were first asked their name, identity theft was commonly used to obtain goods and services without having to pay for them. By pretending to be someone else, the history of identity theft was born. The electronic age has taken the theft of identity to new levels, but almost since the beginning of time there were people claiming to be someone else to either hide from their past or prevent a new history from being formed.
Prior to use of identification cards, it was not unusual for thieves to claim to be someone else. It was not always to get something for nothing, and sometimes they would travel under a false name in order to go about their way unnoticed, but the history of identity theft is rife with tales of death and destruction. One of the most common ways known to steal an identity during the early history of identity theft, was to simply make a person disappear, usually through murder, and then simply assume their identity.
While the internet has eliminated a lot of the violence associated with identity theft, it is no less devastating on the victims. Another major era in the history of identity theft included dumpster diving and rifling through mailboxes for personal information in the incoming and outgoing mail.
Computers Make Identity Theft Safer For Thieves
Instead of possibly being bitten by wild animals digging through trash cans, identity thieves moved to the telephone to get information directly from the intended targets. They could convince people they were calling from the bank needed to verify information and people would willingly turn over their personal information. With the use of the internet, they can simply send as email and do away with the telephone as the newest piece of the history of identity theft.
By developing websites that appear identical to real ones many people are used to seeing when they visit their bank or online retailer they often attempt to scare people into updating their information, including credit card numbers, social security numbers and other identifying information. Even people familiar with the history of identity theft are often victims, as they believe their knowledge will protect them from being a victim.
Essentially, it is common sense that will keep people from becoming a part of the history of identity theft and by only providing information in person, they can be sure only those with a legitimate need to know are getting their private information.
