The Federal Trade Commission notes that 49% of identity theft victims were unaware of how their information was obtained prior to its fraudulent use. There are numerous ways identity theft can occur, whether offline (by person), or online (through internet transactions). It may seem uncontrollable, but the experience of victims can give clues as to how to protect your vital personal information from being compromised.

Offline Identity Theft includes any act related to obtaining personal or credit information by person, either through direct or indirect contact with you. There is no involvement of web-based transactions to obtain your information. Additionally, offline theft is more commonly practiced than online theft. It generally involves a person given the responsibility to handle sensitive information misusing their authority, or identity theft perpetrators committing fraud against you to perpetuate new fraudulent activities using your information.

Acts of offline identity theft can include the following:

• Workplace Theft: An employee with access to sensitive information like credit reports, banking information, or even credit cards during a retail transaction may steal it for illicit purposes themselves, sell it to would-be identity theft perpetrators, or accept bribes to distribute information
• Pretexting: an imposter posing as an employee of a legitimate company or relevant party (e.g.: property manager, creditor) may also gain access to your credit information, either through phone contact with you, or to companies that have access to such items
• Mail Theft: Credit card statements, new checks, or credit card offers may be stolen, or a change of address may be created to divert your mail to a would-be identity theft perpetrator; additionally, the mail still being delivered to your old address may compromise personal information
• Direct Theft: Your wallet or purse may be stolen, or information may be stolen from you home or car
• Dumpster Diving: Though not considered a widely-used technique in the Information Age, would-be identity theft perpetrators may go through your trash to find in-tact financial statements or sensitive information


Even with offline identity theft being the more prevalent, online theft can still occur. With online banking, e-commerce and other web-based transaction becoming the preference among many consumers, online identity theft could be the choice of perpetrators in the near future. Please see “How Identity Theft Occurs: Online” for information on how your internet transactions could be a source for compromised information, as well as “Signs of Identity Theft” so you are aware of when it has been used fraudulently.

References

Federal Trade Commission: Facts for Consumers: Taking Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. How Many Identity Theft Victims are There? What is the Impact on Victims?