Identity Theft
Introduction
Definition of Identity Theft – Alberta Government Consumer Tipsheet
Identity theft is when someone uses your name and personal information to commit fraud or theft.
Personal information includes your:
- name
- age
- address
- gender
- birthday
- credit card numbers
- SIN number
- marital status
- mother’s maiden name
- spouse’s name
- family birthdays
- city of birth
- phone number
- employment
- income
- health records
- assets
- liabilities
- other personal identification numbers such as an employee number
Background
Identity theft is not a new crime; it was simply not called such and was not as prevalent.[1] It has now mushroomed in pervasiveness.
Why is it more common now?
- An extremely low risk of detection and, comparatively, an extremely high return.[2]
- Very low arrest and conviction rates for identity-theft related crimes.[3]
- Mild sentences for identity theft related convictions.[4]
- The abundance of personal information available.[5]
- Technological advancement[6]
- In the even recent past, identity theft took more time and effort to commit, and as such, was less common.[7]
- Now, new, quicker and more pervasive methods of identity theft have appeared as a result of technology.
- It is also now harder to track criminals, due to the Internet’s inherent anonymity and global nature.
- Consumer unawareness of what is done with their personal information.[8]
