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Introduction
What is Identity theft? Identity theft is where a consumer’s personal information has be obtained and used illegally by thieves, terrorists, and even by illegal immigrates to obtain false documents (“Identity” 2). According to FBI statistics identity theft is the most rapidly growing white collar crime in the US. There were 500,000 to 750,000 cases reported in 2001 (“Identity” 1). The increase has been related to identity theft being considered a “nontraditional crime” (“Identity” 2). Where in some cases law enforcement lacks adequate resources to investigate reports of identity theft, do to priority of other crimes like homicides, drug related crimes, and other violent crimes, the complex nature of investigating the crime do to jurisdictional issues (“Identity” 2), and with the high profits and a low probability of getting caught and punished, why wouldn’t thieves take advantage of the situation that will end up cost to consumers, government, and corporations totaling in the billions and growing (“Identity” 1,2). By these statistics alone it is perceived that though the government has laws and programs to assist with identity of theft it is the responsibility of the consumer to protect their good name by staying informed and educated on all of the aspects of identity theft and what they need to do if they become a victim of identity theft.
Summary of Literature
In the summary of the literature, it will show some of the methods that thieves obtain personal information, ways to help consumers protect personal information, the rights of the consumer if they find that they have became a victim of identity theft, and concluding with the realization that though the government has a limited responsibility in preventing identity theft, it is ultimately up to the consumer to recognize the potential threats and respond to those threats utilizing the necessary tools provided by the government and private industry.
Now that it...