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by Lee Ann Obringer

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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Obringer, Lee Ann.  "How Identity Theft Works"  10 September 2002.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://money.howstuffworks.com/identity-theft.htm>  10 February 2012.
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What's the real story?

Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Identity Theft Works
  2. Credit Card Fraud
  3. Accessing Personal Information
  1. How To Protect Yourself
  2. Internet Transactions
  3. If It Happens To You
  4. See more »
    1. Prosecuting Identity Theft
    2. Lots More Information
    3. See all Scams articles

Lots More Information

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  • Is it possible to detect if someone is illegally using my phone line?
  • How do big city "shell games" and "three card monte" games work?

More Great Links
  • Social Security Online Privacy Act
  • Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Web Site
  • Almanac of Policy Issues: Identity Theft: Growing Prevalence and Cost
  • The Biometric Consortium

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Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Identity Theft Works
  2. Credit Card Fraud
  3. Accessing Personal Information
  4. How To Protect Yourself
  5. Internet Transactions
  1. If It Happens To You
  2. Prosecuting Identity Theft
  3. Lots More Information
  4. See all Scams articles
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Prices: Identity Theft Protection Software

  • The Truth About Identity Theft
    The Truth About Identity Theft

    Praise for The Truth About Identity Theft “This book will open your eyes, scare you smart, and make you think twice. Identity theft can happen to you and this book is a must read. Jim Stickley tells you why and how you need to protect yourself.” Matt Lauer, Anchor, TODAY Show "Nowadays, identity theft is an all-too-common occurrence that puts more than just your finances in jeopardy. Fortunately, Jim Stickley's easy-to-understand advice can teach you how to spot and stay ahead of security threats. In short, this book is a must read." Wes Millar, Senior Vice President of CUNA Strategic Services   "In an age when identity theft will affect everyone sooner or later, this book is simply a must-read. Jim Stickley teaches you to spot the danger signs and offers smart solutions for everything from banking security and online shopping scams to medical identity theft. Whether it's you, your parents', or your kids' identities, everyone has something to protect. This book tells you what you need to know." Jim Bell, Executive Producer, TODAY Show   "Jim Stickley shares his amazing experiences as a professional hacker in the most entertaining manner. He’s a great storyteller and captures your attention with his experiences, which will make you want to upscale your efforts protect your firm’s data and your own ID. Jim’s stories are fascinating. Most of us can’t imagine how simple it is for him to succeed as a conman in situations we think are safe. The trade secrets of hackers he shares with us are mind boggling! You won’t let your guard down after learning what Jim has actually done to get companies and individuals' private information. He’s the updated version of 'To Catch a Thief'[el]but he’s a good guy!" Nancy E. Sheppard, President & CEO of Western Independent Bankers (A Trade Association of 350 Banks)   "If you’re not worried about identity theft, you should be[el]and Stickley tells you exactly why. His engaging writing style, coupled with real-life stories about identity theft and concrete actions to help you prevent identity theft are exactly what’s needed to make people take notice of this growing crime. I’ll recommend this book again and again!" Jerri L. Ledford, About.com Guide to Identity Theft   Everything you must know to protect yourself and your business from identity thieves!   • The truth about real-world identity theft attacks • The truth about how easy it is for thieves to make off with your identity • The truth about stopping identity thieves in their tracks   Jim Stickley has stolen credit cards, hacked Social Security numbers, robbed banks, and created fake ATMs. He has broken into armed government facilities and has stolen from teenagers. He is an identity thief, but he is no criminal. Fortunately for all victims involved, Jim was hired to perform these attacks by corporations testing their security, news agencies investigating security concerns, and other media outlets interested in knowing just how easy it is to commit identity theft. His job is to find security flaws before the real criminals find them. This book has been designed to give you the insight that most people only experience after becoming victims of identity theft. Each Truth walks you through a different type of attack, explaining the complete process in a very simple and straight-forward way. Like a magician actually revealing what happens behind the curtain, Jim takes you through the attacks to reveal how people at home, work, and on the road become victims. Prepare yourself. What you read here might be disturbing, but you will never be truly safe from identity thieves until you learn to think like one.    

    $4.00

  • The Truth About Identity Theft
    The Truth About Identity Theft

    Praise for The Truth About Identity Theft “This book will open your eyes, scare you smart, and make you think twice. Identity theft can happen to you and this book is a must read. Jim Stickley tells you why and how you need to protect yourself.” Matt Lauer, Anchor, TODAY Show "Nowadays, identity theft is an all-too-common occurrence that puts more than just your finances in jeopardy. Fortunately, Jim Stickley's easy-to-understand advice can teach you how to spot and stay ahead of security threats. In short, this book is a must read." Wes Millar, Senior Vice President of CUNA Strategic Services   "In an age when identity theft will affect everyone sooner or later, this book is simply a must-read. Jim Stickley teaches you to spot the danger signs and offers smart solutions for everything from banking security and online shopping scams to medical identity theft. Whether it's you, your parents', or your kids' identities, everyone has something to protect. This book tells you what you need to know." Jim Bell, Executive Producer, TODAY Show   "Jim Stickley shares his amazing experiences as a professional hacker in the most entertaining manner. He’s a great storyteller and captures your attention with his experiences, which will make you want to upscale your efforts protect your firm’s data and your own ID. Jim’s stories are fascinating. Most of us can’t imagine how simple it is for him to succeed as a conman in situations we think are safe. The trade secrets of hackers he shares with us are mind boggling! You won’t let your guard down after learning what Jim has actually done to get companies and individuals' private information. He’s the updated version of 'To Catch a Thief'[el]but he’s a good guy!" Nancy E. Sheppard, President & CEO of Western Independent Bankers (A Trade Association of 350 Banks)   "If you’re not worried about identity theft, you should be[el]and Stickley tells you exactly why. His engaging writing style, coupled with real-life stories about identity theft and concrete actions to help you prevent identity theft are exactly what’s needed to make people take notice of this growing crime. I’ll recommend this book again and again!" Jerri L. Ledford, About.com Guide to Identity Theft   Everything you must know to protect yourself and your business from identity thieves!   • The truth about real-world identity theft attacks • The truth about how easy it is for thieves to make off with your identity • The truth about stopping identity thieves in their tracks   Jim Stickley has stolen credit cards, hacked Social Security numbers, robbed banks, and created fake ATMs. He has broken into armed government facilities and has stolen from teenagers. He is an identity thief, but he is no criminal. Fortunately for all victims involved, Jim was hired to perform these attacks by corporations testing their security, news agencies investigating security concerns, and other media outlets interested in knowing just how easy it is to commit identity theft. His job is to find security flaws before the real criminals find them. This book has been designed to give you the insight that most people only experience after becoming victims of identity theft. Each Truth walks you through a different type of attack, explaining the complete process in a very simple and straight-forward way. Like a magician actually revealing what happens behind the curtain, Jim takes you through the attacks to reveal how people at home, work, and on the road become victims. Prepare yourself. What you read here might be disturbing, but you will never be truly safe from identity thieves until you learn to think like one.    

    $12.72

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