 TITLE: What Is Identity Theft? CONTENT: How Identity Theft Happens\n--------------------------\nIdentity theft is a broad term that applies any time someone steals your personal information, such as your Social Security number, and uses it to create a new account, make a purchase or commit other fraud.\nDue to the nature of technology and the internet, your personal information is always at risk. If you're not carefully monitoring your credit file, you may not notice you've been victimized until the damage is already done.\nHere are 10 of the most common ways identity thieves get hold of your data:\n### 1\\. Data Breaches\nA data breach happens when someone gains access to an organization's data without authorization. The most common types of information stolen in data breaches include full names, Social Security numbers and credit card numbers.\nIn 2018, there were 1,244 data breaches in the U.S., and more than 446 million records were exposed, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.\nBecause people have so many accounts with various businesses and other organizations, it's virtually impossible to keep your information safe from a data breach, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk.\n### 2\\. Unsecure Browsing\nFor the most part, you can browse the internet safely, especially if you stick to well-known websites. But if you share any information on an unsecure website or a website that's been compromised by hackers you could be putting your sensitive information directly in the hands of a thief.\nDepending on your browser, you may get an alert if you try to access a risky website.\n### 3\\. Dark Web Marketplaces\nThe dark web is often where your personally identifying information ends up after it's been stolen. Hackers may not necessarily be stealing your information to use it for themselves, but will instead choose to sell it to others who have potentially nefarious intentions.\nThe dark web is a hidden network of websites that aren't accessible by normal browsers. People who visit the dark web use special software to mask their identities and activity, making it a haven for fraudsters. If your information ends up on a dark web marketplace, anybody could buy it, putting your identity in more danger.\n### 4\\. Malware Activity\nMalware is malicious software that's designed to wreak all sorts of havoc. Fraudsters may use malware is to steal your data or spy on your computer activity without you knowing.\n### 5\\. Credit Card Theft\nOne of the simplest forms of identity theft is credit card theft. If a thief can gain access to your credit card information, they can use it to make unauthorized purchases.\nCommon ways credit card theft occurs are through a data breach, physical theft, credit card skimmers and via online retail accounts where card information is stored.\n### 6\\. Mail Theft\nSince long before the internet, identity thieves have been combing through the mail to find documents that held personal information. Bank and credit card statements and any other document you send or receive through the postal system can be intercepted and used to gain access to your data.\nThe mail you throw away also can leave you vulnerable, so be sure to shred any old mail that may contain personal information.\n### 7\\. Phishing and Spam Attacks\nSome scammers use email and text messages and other forms of electronic communication to steal your sensitive information. The message often looks like it's coming from a reputable source and asks victims to give up one or more types of information.\nFor example, a bogus email made to look like it's from your bank may include a link that directs you to a spoof website that looks just like the one it's mimicking. Once there, the website may ask you for a username and password, or to input credit card information or your Social Security number. If something seems suspicious, it might be an attempt at identity theft.\n### 8\\. Wi-Fi Hacking\nIf you use your computer or phone on a public network—airport, department store or coffee shop Wi-Fi—hackers may be able to \"eavesdrop\" on your connection.\nThis means that if you type in a password, bank account or credit card number, Social Security number or anything else, an eavesdropper can easily intercept it and use it for their own purposes.\n### 9\\. Mobile Phone Theft\nSmartphones are a treasure trove of information for identity thieves, especially if your apps allow you to log in automatically without a password or fingerprint. If someone manages to steal and unlock your phone, it could allow them to view the information found in your apps, as well as in your emails, text messages, notes and more.\nMake sure your phone locks with a secure passcode, biometric screening is set up properly and your passwords aren't stored in plain text anywhere on your phone.\n### 10\\. Card Skimming\nSome thieves use a skimming device that easily can be placed over a card reader on an ATM or a fuel pump without looking out of the ordinary. When somebody swipes a debit or credit card at a compromised machine, the skimmer reads the information from the card's magnetic stripe and either stores it or transmits it. A criminal can then use this information to make purchases. END