 TITLE: What Is Shoulder Surfing? CONTENT: What Are the Consequences of Shoulder Surfing?\n----------------------------------------------\nUsing your credit card information to make fraudulent purchases is just one example of the damage shoulder surfers can do. The more personal information a criminal captures about you, the more far-reaching the consequences can be for your bank account and your financial health.\nFor example, if you use a debit card at an ATM where thieves have installed a card skimmer, they may be able to capture both your PIN and your account number and gain access to your bank account. If a criminal sees your smartphone PIN and gets hold of your phone, they could access all the account information, payment card data and passwords stored on it.\nOne or two fraudulent purchases can be quickly spotted and easily corrected by issuing you a new credit card. But if the fraud isn't discovered right away, it could have major long-term fallout. Shoulder surfers may also sell your data on the dark web.\nAt worst, shoulder surfing can expose you to identity theft. A criminal may use your personal information, such as your Social Security number, to open new credit accounts, apply for loans, rent apartments or apply for jobs under your name. An identity thief could get their hands on your tax refund, use your health insurance to get medical care or apply for government benefits under your name. They might even commit a crime and provide your personal information when questioned by police, leaving you with a criminal record or a warrant for your arrest.\nIdentity theft can take months or years to straighten out, requiring you to make endless phone calls, take time off work and pay for services or reports needed to reclaim your identity. The financial and emotional toll can be huge, while your credit score potentially suffers in the meantime. A credit history affected by fraud and identity theft can make it harder to rent an apartment, buy a home, finance a new car or even get a job. END