NCJ Number
218884
Date Published
2007
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the nature of identity and what it means to have one’s identity stolen and then discusses the ways in which the Internet has contributed to a recent increase in the misuse of identity.
Abstract
Although legal identity has always been vulnerable to appropriation by impostors, opportunities for identity theft and identity fraud in the real world have become increasingly limited as a result of advances in technology that serve to strengthen the link between a collection of information and the individual to whom they relate. Also, growing awareness of the threat of identity misuse has led to increased vigilance over identity information while the creation of authentication systems has made the impersonation of another a dangerous enterprise. However, the virtual environment created by the Internet weakens the adherence of legal identity to its rightful owner. In addition, the inability to authenticate identity does not attract the same suspicion as it does in the real world. This is why criminal behavior flourishes in this environment; freeing individuals to act in uncharacteristic ways and conveying a sense of anonymity that offers to protect the individual from detection. In essence, imposters have adapted their strategies to take advantage of the fraudulent possibilities presented by the Internet. If ordinary users exercise greater caution with their personal information, the fraudulent potential of the Internet could be reduced. Information is the lifeblood of identity theft and identity fraud and the Internet has become the dominant means by which this information can circulate. Internet users must exercise greater vigilance while online to protect their legal identity from abuse. Identity theft and identity fraud are terms which have gained currency in recent years with its gain enhanced by the use of the Internet. References