System Forensics, Investigation, and Response, 3rd Edition

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem. It is any use of another person’s identity. Now that might seem like a pretty broad definition, but it is accurate. Most often, criminals commit identity theft in order to perpetrate some financial fraud; for example, a criminal might use the victim’s information to obtain a credit card. Then, the victim is left with the bill. The U.S. Department of Justice defines identity theft and identity fraud as:

… terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

Notice that this definition states that it is typically for economic gain. Therefore, even unsuccessful ...