Creating A New Identity How Far Can You Go

Creating A New Identity How Far Can You Gocreating A New Identity E

Creating a new identity explains in detail how people use the borrowed identity for fraud. There are fundamentally three types of identities (other than the one you’re born with); Created, Forged, and Stolen. With created identities, you establish the paperwork needed to make the identity legal, and from that point on you are essentially that person. With forged identities, you create the minimal IDs, instead of applying through the state or government. With stolen identities, you take over another person’s ID (living or deceased) in order to abuse their specific credit.

From the point you transfer his or her identity to you, you are that person. This process is more complicated if you have a criminal record (and thus have fingerprints on record). This can be problematic if caught with the stolen identity, since the authorities think they have someone else.

Paper For Above instruction

Assuming a new identity in the United States is a complex and multi-faceted process that involves various illegal activities such as creating, forging, or stealing personal information. For individuals aiming to understand how easily this process can be exploited by identity thieves, a detailed step-by-step checklist reveals the vulnerabilities in our current systems. This essay explores the methodology an identity thief might use to assume a new identity, the types of personal information available online, and the role of data brokers in collecting and selling personal data.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Assuming a New Identity

  1. Gather Personal Information: The first step involves collecting as much personal data as possible about the target. This can include full name, date of birth, Social Security number (SSN), addresses, employment history, and financial information. Thieves often exploit data breaches, phishing schemes, or social engineering to obtain such details.
  2. Create or Obtain Identification Documents: The thief can either forge new documents or acquire stolen ones. Forged IDs involve creating fake driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and passports using specialized software or illegal printing services. Alternatively, stolen IDs or legal documents can be purchased from underground markets.
  3. Establish a Legal Persona: This involves registering for new accounts using the stolen or forged identity details. Thieves might open bank accounts, credit cards, and utility services, ensuring that names and addresses match the stolen information.
  4. Apply for Credit and Loans: Using the new identity, the thief applies for credit cards, loans, or even new lines of credit with the stolen or fabricated credentials. This enhances their financial footprint and makes it more difficult for authorities to track.
  5. Consolidate the Identity: The final step involves maintaining control of the identity by managing the credit activity, avoiding detection, and possibly transferring funds or assets to hidden accounts.

Types of Personal Data Found Online

Various pieces of personal information can be found on individuals through online searches, breaches, or data leaks. These include:

  • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Home Address
  • Email Addresses
  • Phone Numbers
  • Bank Account Details
  • Employment Information
  • Credit and Debit Card Numbers
  • Public Records and Court Cases

Websites Used to Gather Personal Data

  • Social Media Platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram – Profile information, contact details, employment history, location tags.
  • Public Records Websites: County clerk sites, court records, property records.
  • Data Breach Databases: Have I Been Pwned, breach databases – Lists of compromised accounts and credentials.
  • People Search Engines: Spokeo, Whitepages, BeenVerified – Aggregate data from various sources.
  • Government Sites: DMV, IRS, Social Security Administration – Limited publicly available information.

Data Broker Agencies/Sites Collecting Data

Many organizations compile extensive profiles on U.S. citizens, often without their explicit knowledge or consent. Notable data brokers include:

  • NNData (Acxiom): Collects consumer and business data from multiple sources, providing detailed profiles.
  • Epsilon: Specializes in targeted marketing by aggregating consumer data.
  • CoreLogic: Provides property, financial, and consumer data for credit and insurance purposes.
  • Experian, Equifax, TransUnion: Major credit bureaus collecting vast amounts of financial information.
  • BeenVerified, Intelius: Offer background checks and personal data reports for consumers and businesses.

Conclusion

The ease with which personal information can be accessed and manipulated highlights significant vulnerabilities in the U.S. identity and data security systems. Understanding the typical steps involved in assuming a new identity underscores the importance of robust protective measures such as better data security, thorough identity verification processes, and increased public awareness. As cybercriminals exploit these weaknesses, ongoing efforts from both governmental and private sectors are critical in combating identity theft and minimizing its impact on individuals and financial institutions.

References

  • Ahmed, F., & Katiyar, P. (2020). Identity theft and fraud detection techniques: A review. Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy, 3(1), 45-66.
  • Catak, E., & Aydın, A. (2021). Data breaches and privacy concerns in digital environments. International Journal of Information Security, 20(2), 123-137.
  • Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Identity theft: How it happens and how to protect yourself. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-identity-theft-happens
  • Levin, L. (2019). Data brokers and consumer privacy. Computer Law & Security Review, 35(3), 107-113.
  • National Cyber Security Centre. (2021). Protecting your identity online. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/protecting-your-identity-online
  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner. (2020). Data broker practices and privacy concerns. https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/people-privacy/who-are-data-brokers/
  • Peterson, R., & Zhang, Y. (2022). The underground market for stolen identities. Cybersecurity Journal, 8(4), 229-245.
  • Smith, J. (2018). The anatomy of identity theft. Information Security Journal, 27(4), 152-160.
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2023). Combating identity theft and cybercrime. https://www.dhs.gov/identity-theft-cybercrime
  • Williams, M. (2020). Data aggregation and privacy risks. Journal of Data Privacy, 3(2), 78-92.

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