The Internet: Mainstream of America - Essay Example

Everybody uses the internet now. The internet has become engrained into mainstream America, and the opportunities on the World Wide Web are innumerable. However, with all these opportunities, come great risks, and potential problems. One of these problems is identity theft. Identity theft has greatly increased with people using their personal information over the internet. When people buy something online with a credit card, or use any personal information online, no matte how secure the site says it is, there is a chance of identity theft.

This information can then be used without the person's consent, leading to a person's bank information, or even worse information being stolen, and used against that person. Getting this information may not be as hard as one would think. And once the thief has it, their next few steps are relatively simple. Before you know it someone else out there could be overcharging credit cards, applying for loans, and even committing other crimes, all using something that doesn't belong to them: Your name!

The internet is not the only place people can find information about you either. Some people think that identity theft can only happen if they loose their wallet for example, but this also is not true. The list of places people could find this information is almost endless; "your doctor, accountant, lawyer, dentist, school, place of work, health insurance carrier, and many others have your identifying information. If some criminally minded person is working at the office (or just visiting) decides to use this information to assume your identity, you would not know it.

Also if this information is not disposed of with a shredder, a "dumpster-diver" could pick up the information and begin the crime against you. You do not need to lose your wallet or have anything tangible stolen from you for someone to take your identity. If you do not shred your confidential information, utility bills, credit card slips and other documents, it is easy to "dumpster dive" your garbage. Much of your information is readily available on the internet, at courts, and accessible from public documents.

Additionally, if someone obtains your credit report illegally, they have all the information necessary to become you" (Identity 2007). It really is that easy, and someone can be on their way to becoming somebody else, and that person could be you. Most people do not protect their information enough, and most people probably are not aware of how easy it is to get a hold of their personal information. By doing research, hopefully one will be able to see how this problem can be combated, and how easiest to make people aware of the problems surrounding identity theft.

Works Cited Identify Theft: Prevention and Survival FAQ http://www.identitytheft.org/