How Identity Theft Works?

Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized party uses your personally identifying information, such as your name, address, Social Security Number (SSN), or credit card or bank account information to assume your identity in order to commit fraud or other criminal acts.

What is needed for identity theft?

Much like a Social Security number, a thief only needs your name and credit card number to go on a spending spree. Many merchants, particularly online, also ask for your credit card expiration date and security code.

What is the main cause of identity theft?

Among the leading causes of identity theft, data breaches stand out as they can rapidly impact a massive group of people. ... Aside from credit card numbers, a data breach may leak victims' email addresses, passwords, Social Security numbers, and even those same personal identifiers of victims' family members.