Identity Theft

Computer and Technology > Internet
Criminology > Public and Crime

Identity Theft

Argues that the increase in identity theft results directly from the uncontrolled explosion of personal and intimate information on the Internet.

1,260 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the identity thief no longer needs to master the technical intricacies of computer science and hacking before setting out to appropriate a stranger's personal data. The author underscores that all the identity thief has to do is join one of the new on-line social networks, such as YouTube, FaceBook or JDate. The paper relates that many fans of these sites are alarmingly honest giving out their personal data, such as their social background, financial status, places of residence and career position. The author describes the method by which the identity thief gauges the desirability of a potential target and the way identity theft affects the victim.

From the Paper:

"In addition, these same networking sites can often aid the identity thief in selling his stolen information to eager buyers: "The ability for hackers to go onto the Internet and chat up fellow hackers is as old as the Net itself. But with identity theft becoming a more popular form of fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more attention is being paid to chat rooms that serve as flea markets for hackers." Again, anonymity is a major incentive here, and the FBI's dismal failure at apprehending the thieves stems directly from the fact that criminals always operate under the cover of multiple screen names."

Sample of Sources Used:

Sivy, Michael. "What No One is Telling You About Identity Theft." CNNMoney.com 1 July 2005. 30 May 2007 <http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2005/07/01/8263140/index.htm>.
Renay Miguel S. "Experts: Chat rooms a haven for hackers." CNN.com 10 April 2002. 30 May 2007 http://archives.cnn.com/2002/TECH/internet/04/10/hackers.chat.rooms/index.html
Donath, Judith and Danah Boyd. "Public displays of connection." BT Technology Journal 22:4 (2004). 31 May 2007 <http://www.danah.org/papers/PublicDisplays.pdf>.
Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC). "Identity Theft: Introduction and Background: CIPPIC Working Paper No 1." ID Theft Series March 2007. 31 May 2007 <www.cippic.com>.
Martin, Steven. "Reports Of Identity Theft Continue To Rise." Information Week 18 April 2005. 30 May 2007 <http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=160901692>.