Virtual ID Thieves: A Menace Difficult to Apprehend - Essay Example

Virtual ID Thieves: A Menace Difficult to Apprehend This paper explores the problem of Identity theft in the United States. It is found out that drugs especially the use of methamphetamine is the common denominator among the thieves. The Internet is also making identity theft a breeze. Financial institutions are also making credits fast and efficient. These are few elements that proliferated identity theft. It has become a problem in the United States with many unsuspecting individuals who were victimized by virtual thieves. The New York Times (http://query.nytimes.com, 2006) stressed the menace in “Technology and Easy Credit Give Identity Thieves an Edge”. It reported that in United States, according to a Federal Trade Commission survey in 2003, “about 10 million Americans -- 1 in 30 -- had their identities stolen in the previous year, with losses to the economy of $48 billion” (http://query.nytimes.com, 2006). As a means to safeguard identity from the identity thieves, Arizona officials ordered people to “shred all documents and avoid giving Social Security numbers or bank account numbers to strangers over the telephone or the Internet” (http://query.nytimes.com, 2006). And another way is to do credit freeze wherein it enables consumers to “prevent bank or credit agencies from issuing new accounts in their names” (http://query.nytimes.com, 2006). In a personal viewpoint, a win-win solution perhaps requires legislative measures that will enforce stricter cooperation among the consumers, finance sector, and law enforcement agencies. A way to safeguard one’s identity is to install PIN (Personal Identification Number). Anyone can get involved in this measure especially those who wanted to be ultra-secure in their identity and wealth. This could be done by adding the feature once a person will apply for credit and/ or debit card. In every purchase, the person will input the PIN and verify the fingerprint through a biometric device. This measure, in all its grandeur, can guarantee that the same person–who owns the card–made the purchase. This can also protect the identity by installing the PIN and fingerprint verification to Social Security ID card and even Driver’s license as well. Moreover, it can hasten purchases in only two steps by dialing in the PIN and by verifying the fingerprint. Its relative cost of additional security feature will be recouped by the money saved from being stolen. It can solve the problem but it has its limits–you can’t buy online unless if you can verify your fingerprint through the screen. Another way to safeguard one’s identity is to avail of protective services that are readily available to card-holders. Anyone who pays $220 a year can benefit from LifeLock. It can provide the subscriber with “fraud alert asking to confirm that the customer applied for credit” (http://query.nytimes.com, 2006). In this way, it can stop any purchases or credits that are made illegitimately or without the direct intent or consent by the customer. It can also notify both the banks and the company. It can solve the problem but it has its limits–still it will leave your identity vulnerable to theft for purposes other than purchases, mortgage and credits. It is also costly on the part of the card holder. Ultimately, the best way is for the government to implement the existing policies and to pass stricter policies that can curb identity theft. Production, technology and finance sector, law enforcement agencies and the consumers had to get involved and cooperate together in this aspect. The government can pass resolutions that can get the banking sector and consumer responsible altogether. It can amend its existing laws to be relevant to the changing environment. State departments should prevent intrusions on its files especially the Social Security number. State departments should supervise internet postings. It can also provide safeguards to the retirees’ pensions. And, it can also regularly conduct crackdowns to mail thefts. The law enforcement agencies of the state will see to it that the legislative resolution or measures are enforced and implemented strictly. It can also regularly conduct buy-bust operations to ward off methamphetamine which is associated to not only identity theft but also violent behaviors such as murder and robbery. Aside from arresting criminals in the streets, cops should also find ways to apprehend criminals in the web. There should also be new inventions which can do just that. The results and benefits will be long term. It can dramatically reduce incidence of identity theft, and hacking as well. It can successfully solve the problem–it will gradually lessen incidence through time. The corresponding penalties can make a thief uncomfortably scared. All in all, identity theft is a serious problem. It affects many people. It has many damaging effects to the economy too. It has stolen a huge amount of money from Americans. Those behind the identity theft are no different from the robbers who ply the streets at night. It deserved the attention of the government and the private sector. There should be measures to stop proliferation of this case. Some of the solutions can render consistent results. Installing PINs and fingerprint verification can provide secure transactions. It can guarantee that the same person–who owns the card–made the purchase. Protective services can confirm the transaction with the company and the customer. It can provide fraud alerts that can notify both the company and the bank. But these two solutions had inherent limitations. You cannot verify your fingerprint in buying online. And identity is still vulnerable with protective services because it is exclusive only to purchases and credits. Besides, it is costly for some families. The government has to intervene in this major issue. It has to hold the private and public sector responsible altogether. Cooperation, responsibility and involvement are crucial. Law enforcement agencies should crackdown the drug menace, mail theft and other crimes, either on the Web or in the streets. Through time, the visible presence of efforts to curb identity theft will lessen the incidence of identity theft. After all, it is the state’s duty to serve and protect citizens from situations like this. We can make it if we will cooperate, get involved and let our call be heard in the halls of our government corridors. There should be a way to stop identity theft now so that the World Wide Web will be much safer for the next generations. Work Cited Leland, J., & Zeller, Jr., T. (May 30, 2006). Technology and Easy Credit Give Identity Thieves an Edge. New York Times. Retrieved from http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E1DA1F3EF933A05756C0A9609C 8B63&scp=2&sq=technoligy%20and%20easy%20credit%20give%20identity%20thieves %20an%20edge&st=cse&pagewanted=1 Read More