What is identity theft?

Typical items stolen in identity theft cases, social security numbers, bank account information and credit card. To the thief is the purpose behind the identity theft using the victim's information to steal money and leave must pay for the victim. This occurs when the fraudster is successful in opening the loans in the victim's name, using a credit card that belongs to someone else and other instances of financial fraud.
How identity theft happens

Identity theft can happen on an individual or a corporate plan. People can become victims of identity theft when they have credit card statements stolen from their mailboxes, a purse stolen from a car or a person they know and trusted user sensitive personal data for their own gain. Another way this happens when the Bank or credit card companiy employees uses the personal information they are privy to for customers to open fraudulent accounts.
Companies most often victims of identity theft through any hacking into their computer system and steal customer records or will be billed for services they never bought because someone got a hold of their information. Unfortunately, it is impossible to be at the forefront of each method, a thief may have to steal your identity, but the following information will help to reduce your risk.
How to protect yourself from identity theft
If you use an ATM card to get cash from an ATM, never disclose your PIN to anyone. You should try to choose a number that is of relevance that only you would know, so it is easy to remember. However, do not choose something obvious like your date of birth, because a thief can easily get that from your driver license. If you need to enter your PIN-code down, keep it at home and wear it in your purse or wallet.
To prevent credit card offers from arriving in your mailbox, you can go to OptOutPrescreen.com to stop receiving them, or call 888-567-8688 to request that you no longer be sent pre-approved credit card offers. These are a haven for would-be thieves, especially if they already have your information. Another option is to invest in an inexpensive paper shredder and be sure to run something with sensitive data on it through the shredder before you place it in the trash.
Be cautious of e-mails or phone calls asking you to provide personal information, because they claim you have won a prize of the need to update your company records. A legitimate business would not contact you in this way. Finally, request a free copy of your credit report annually to see if there has been unauthorized accounts opened in your name.