Online phishing happens when a scam message in your internet suggest something into validating your information records in your bank, your affiliate financier, passwords, stating the urgency of the need to update records. Sounds a very valid source but a lot more of a scam message, with the intention of stealing credit lines from your financing sources. It is a dual crime because not only is it committed against an individual's financial life and credit history but also against his or her reputation and social standing in the community and in the workplace. In one notorious case of identity theft, a convicted felon have not only incurred thousands of credit card debt by using another person's identity, he was also able to obtain a federal home loan, and even bought homes, motorcycles, and handguns using the victim's name. Households, telephone booths, and garbage areas are common places where criminals loiter around to look for their prey. Thieves simply want it the easiest way to earn without exerting much effort. If a culprit gets into hands-on control of one s number, it could be a start of a cycle of indefinite crimes against the legitimate owner, would lead the poor victim and his family into rubbles of chaos that can t easily be repaired. Every creditor and financial institution with whom you do business should receive a copy of that report along with a letter explaining that you have been the victim of identity theft. Make sure that you hold onto the original police report because you may need to make even more copies. Copies should also be sent to all three credit reporting agencies. The numbers being stolen include veteran number, social security number and credit card number. Identity number thefts are one of the most controversial topics in this day and age of computers, emails and the Internet. The scariest thing about identity number theft is that it is a crime that can affect anyone. Originally approved Credit Cards, or renewals of the same, may be delivered by servicemen who may try to get your personal data that are not commonly asked, such as birthdays, or expiry dates of your card. Refrain from it, instead, tell them to send you a written message, bearing the letterhead of the originating office that they need it, to add to your resume.