Social Engineering : Identity Theft

Identity Theft: One of the most prominent and rapidly evolving threats is identity theft, which falls under the heading of social engineering.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in the United States, identity theft is one of the most rapidly growing crimes over the last few years; thus, the public needs to be extra vigilant and protect their information from this form of attack.

Once in possession of information, an identity has plenty of options available to them, depending on their particular goals.

Thieves have been known to run up charges on credit cards, open new accounts, get medical treatment, or secure loans under the victim’s name.

Some signs of identity theft include the following:

• You see withdrawals from your bank accounts that you can’t explain.
• You don’t get your bills or other mail.
• Merchants refuse your checks.
• Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
• You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
• Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
• Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you have reached your benefits limit.
• A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
• The IRS notifies you that more than tax return was filed in your name or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
• You get notice that your information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account.