The prosecuting of identity thieves has proven difficult. Although there has been a rapid increase in the number of statutes addressing the situation on both the state and federal level, the nature of the crime, the anonymous aspect of it, and the time parameters make apprehension and prosecution quite difficult (Pastrikos, 2004). Nevertheless, there has been an aggressive effort on both the state and federal levels to increase their efforts and successes.
The best approach to defeating identity theft is prevention. Potential victims should be cautious about sharing personal information with anyone not possessing a legitimate need for such information. In today's society where business transactions are done more frequently over the telephone and computer this is particularly important. Additionally, and most importantly, the use of one's social security number should be limited to those situations for which it was originally intended, that is, for employment and financial relationships.
Other prevention measures include scrupulous protection on one's wallet, purse, checkbook, and credit cards. If any of these items are lost or stolen, immediate report of such action should be initiated....
Limiting the exchange of information by way of the computer or cell phone is extremely important as is the disposal of information that may emanate from one's home.
The reality is that there is no failsafe method for protecting personal information but the results of having one's identity stolen warrant the exercise of extreme caution. Identity theft will not fade away soon and the only way of avoiding falling victim is to protect one's personal information. Failing to do so can be disastrous.
References
Berghel, H. (2000). Identity Theft, Social Security Numbers, and the Web. Communications of the ACM, 17-21.
General Accounting Office. (2009). Identity Theft: Governments have acted to Protect Personally Identifiable Information, but Vulnerabilities Remain. Washington, D.C.: General Accounting Office.
Pastrikos, C. (2004). Identity Theft Statutes: Which Will Protect Americans the Most? Albany Law Review, 1137-1157.
Identity Theft
Rubina Johannes, et al. 2006 Identity Fraud Survey Report, Javelin Strategy & Research (2006).
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, Public Law 105-318, 112 Stat. 3007 (1998).
