Identity theft

Identity theft is described as an unlawful act where a person illegally obtains and uses another individual’s personal data or identity to commit crimes that (usually) involve fraud or deception. Identity theft is typically used for a person’s own economic gain, but can also be used to cause other person's disadvantages or loss. Common uses of identity theft can be found in identity fraud or credential stealing trojans. Identity fraud is the process by which an individual steals the identity credentials of another person and uses these credentials to commit a fraudulent crime, for instance hiring gear with someone else's passport. On the other hand, credential stealing trojans are malware programs that use techniques to steal someone’s online credentials that can be used to break into a computer system.  

Generally, a person can be identified according to three different forms of identification. First of all, through biometric identity such as fingerprints and DNA. Secondly, through attributed identity such as birth names and place of birth. And third, through biographical identity such as employment history and education qualifications. If any information within these forms of identification is stolen and used for malicious activities (such as identity fraud), identity theft has been committed. Identity theft can be used to facilitate or fund other crimes including illegal immigration, terrorism, phishing and espionage to name a few. Specific forms of identity theft include synthetic identity theft (identities are completely or partially fabricated) and medical identity theft (use medical care under the identity of another person).

Related keywords: recognition, personal recognition, identity card, identifying information, identity cloning, online identity theft, imposter.