Discussion Question 12: Identity Theft

 In the textbook, identity theft can lead to stealing a real person’s identification information (true name) or theft based on creating a fictitious person’s identification (synthetic identity) (Criminal Law ch15, p 439). There are some ways to protect the causation of identity theft are 1) keep an eye open for missing mail, as a change of address filed by a clever thief will send bills and credit card statements to another address; 2) reveal only such personal information as is necessary; and 3) check your credit file every year or two to make sure a thief is not borrowing money in your name. In the zoom presentation, identification theft including true name identity theft and synthetic identity theft (zoom presentation 15, 21:50). For instance, tax identification theft can cause an error to appear on debts or cause any misleading information on a tax report for one to fall into a fraulant trap. The Social Security office always suggests the residents should not bring Social Security Identification cards out of the door every day.