Data breach and identity theft are two things that tend to go together. Data breach occurs when a criminal element successfully breaks into a secured system that contains sensitive information regarding individuals.



Many people think the goal of a data breach is to get your bank account or credit card information. The sophisticated criminal, however, really wants your social security number, address and phone number. This info can be used to open new accounts.

The average database does not contain all these golden nuggets of info. To fill in the gaps, the criminal element will steal your email address and start emailing you fraudulent messages to try to entice you to provide it.

These fraudulent emails are often designed to use the credibility of a legitimate site. You may receive the information allegedly from the IRS, Home Depot or some other well-known entity. One you click through to the site, however, it is only a copy.

If you are unlikely, the theif will eventually get his or her hand on your information. The next result is to make money off of it through identity theft. There are a couple ways this typically occurs.

The primery way criminals make money using your information is pretty much what you expect. They either misuse your current credit card accounts or, alternatively, your sensitive financial information is used to open entirely new cards.

It is getting harder to use the misappropriated account scam, so theives are turning to new strategies. One that is growing in popularity is the sale of your full identity for use as an entirely new life.

The first reason is some people need a completely new identity to leave behind a particular past. They may have committed crimes, blown up their credit or just be running. Such people will pay plenty for a new identity.

One of the more controversial issues today, illegal immigration, also gives rise to identity theft. Many jobs now require an applicant to present a social security card. Illegals don't have them, so they are willing to buy yours and use it!

Despite assurances from credit card companies and the government, identity theft is here to stay. It is a relatively small price we pay for the efficiency of modern life. Be careful with your information and monitor your credit report.