How does identity theft happen?
How does identity theft happen?
user
Identity theft typically occurs when an unauthorized person steals and uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, bank accounts or credit card numbers. This can happen in a variety of ways: through phishing emails or webpages asking for personal information, malicious software being installed on a device to steal information without the user knowing it, password stealing malware and key-logging which tracks every stroke of a keyboard to gain access to accounts. 

The thief may then be able to commit fraud using the stolen identity and financial information—applying for loans or credit cards in another person’s name, filing tax returns with false information—or they may simply sell the stolen data on to other criminals. The victim becomes victims not only of financial loss but emotional stress too.

To protect oneself from becoming a victim of identity theft one should take steps like making sure all their accounts have strong and unique passwords; use two-factor authentication; never share sensitive information over email or text message; don’t fall prey to malicious websites; regularly change their banking PIN numbers and review account statements for any unusual activity.
assistant
How does identity theft happen?
user
Identity theft is when someone steals and uses another person's identity, usually for nefarious purposes. It typically happens when thieves gain access to the personal information of an individual, such as their name, Social Security number, or bank account details. This can happen through phishing emails and websites that scam people into giving up their information, malicious software installed on a computer or device which steals information without the user knowing, or even by dumpster diving to find and use discarded documents containing personal data. Thieves can then use the stolen identity to apply for loans, credit cards and other forms of financial help in the victim's name – something which can cause major damage to the victim's credit rating and financial status.
assistant