Unfortunately, the improvements in technology and bureaucracy on the global scale are utilized by criminals for adverse activities. As such, identity theft is the unlawful acquisition of another person’s sensitive data with the goal of abusing it (Hedayati, 2012). ID theft is one of the primary issues that cost consumers and companies billions of dollars each year. Consequently, organizations and individuals should exercise caution when it comes to securing their identities to avoid crime as a result of identity theft. The study includes an answer to whether a lack of prosecution correlates to the increase in identity theft cases. Moreover, it provides an overview of the unique successful strategies for the long-term development of preventative measures made available to individuals and businesses. Finally, the paper outlines the services and resources that are available to assist victims of identity theft.
To make adequate efforts to prevent and reduce ID theft in society, external elements must be reviewed and analyzed. Examining four primary components, which are political, economic, social, and technical, finds that technological and social factors are important sources of ID theft (Hedayati, 2012). Namely, ID theft is dramatically increased in emerging countries due to a lack of economic and political stability, particularly in developed countries (Hedayati, 2012). The social environment and characteristics such as habits have a significant impact on the phenomenon. People’s understanding of the use of social media networks and their function in privacy protection is vital in society but, unfortunately, is lower than necessary (Hedayati, 2012). Furthermore, social engineering is still the most successful hacking approach for obtaining confidential information. While communication via media such as Facebook, Twitter, and others is on the rise, social engineers pose a significant danger to people’s cultural attitudes and behaviors in social networking (Hedayati, 2012). Technological elements endanger people’s and institutions’ privacy and promote ID theft so long as they utilize new technology without an appropriate security system at work or on social media.
One of the main questions regarding identity theft concerns the correlation between lack of prosecution and increased identity theft cases. The scholarly literature reveals few works that tackle this particular problem. However, there is evidence regarding the role of legal enforcement in preventing ID theft. Namely, in 2019, Malta, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland had the highest rates of online identity theft (‘Identity theft statistics’, 2021, para. 2). In recent years, the rate of identity theft has increased, especially in developed countries (‘Identity theft statistics’, 2021). However, Shahidullah et al. (2022) report that the United States and Europe all have cybersecurity laws, as well as corresponding prosecution methods and measures. Moreover, statistics illustrate that over half of all identity thefts are resolved within a single day, which confirms the commitment of the legal structures to the prosecution of criminals (‘Identity theft statistics’, 2021). Therefore, data demonstrates that the existence and implementation of legal regulations do not lower the ID theft rate. Hence, the results might mean that lack of prosecution is not the main factor contributing to the increase in identity theft cases.
Other studies provide some insights into the possible reasons for the ineffectiveness of prosecution factors in the discussed problem. For example, Van de Weijer et al. (2018) determined that despite the fact that cybercrime is on the rise, most individuals do not disclose their crimes to the authorities. Moreover, data indicate that age, educational status, and frequency of online buying are all strongly connected to identity theft incidents (Hu et al., 2020). Furthermore, the findings reveal that victims take more precautions than non-victims and that victimhood has a more substantial effect if it often occurs and the victims directly lose money or face other financial troubles (Vanhee, 2022). Victims who suffered losses or had other financial troubles are more likely to report that they adopt protective measures due to their victimization. Therefore, the frequency of identity theft crimes might be more related to the victim’s perception of the issue and preventive measures than the existence of legal prosecution.
Other researchers express somewhat similar conclusions regarding law enforcement and identity theft. For example, studies indicate that states with higher levels of corruption have higher levels of identity theft but that more police presence has no meaningful deterrent effect (Goel, 2019). According to the findings, the significant barriers to effective knowledge-sharing for preventing identity theft in organizations are inadequate learning opportunities and a lack of performance feedback (Maitlo et al., 2019). Thus, it is evident that the internal problems of the organizations that suffer from ID theft cause and corruption cause more damage than the lack of prosecution.
Next, it is necessary to outline the methods available for victims to protect their data. As such, Hedayati (2012) states that individuals should become acquainted with their debit and credit card billing cycles. It is generally advised to shred documents before disposing of them in trash cans. Individuals should not divulge personal information if they are unsure and request credit check reports regularly from banks, creditors, or other financial organizations. It is also advisable to verify bank account balances and investigate any unusual withdrawals or expenditures. Individuals should be cautious of phishing texts and avoid disclosing personal information. It is advised that individuals do not use links in unfamiliar emails or copy and paste them into their web browsers.
Other authors highlight the educational aspect importance in the matter of ID theft prevention. For example, Labong (2021) argues that the most effective way to limit the number of sufferers and the extent of the consequences of identity theft is to raise awareness about all aspects of cybercrime. Other options for reducing identity theft include discontinuing the use of social insurance numbers as an identification method and better-educating businesses on how to safeguard their customers’ personal information. More expensive preventative approaches include employing biometrics (body assessment and monitoring) to identify the person accessing personal information. As new technologies arise and become more feasible solutions for everyone, biometrics and other comparable technologies may play essential roles in identity theft reduction (Labong, 2021). Meanwhile, it is the responsibility of every individual, corporation (public or private), and government institution to secure personal information.
Different services and resources are available to assist victims of identity theft. As such, Gies and Piquero (2021) recommend the Identity Theft Resource Center as a primary source of services in the US. The results of their study are that people who are victims of significant identity fraud confront more complex challenges than those who are victims of less severe crimes, necessitating more extensive care. As a result, Gies and Piquero (2021) accentuate that case triaging is one potential route that service providers may desire to consider. A considerable disparity in the degree of severity shows that categorizing cases into high-, medium-, and low-need-based situation management systems may be a more efficient use of resources. As a result, it delivers greater quality treatment to a broader range of victims.
The Identity Theft Resource Center focuses on various services and agencies that can be used by the victims of identity theft. For example, Local Law Enforcement Agencies can be used to submit a complaint and aid one in clearing their name, or they give phone numbers or websites that will help victims (Center for Identity Management and Information Protection, n.d.). Federal authorities have the most significant resources available to victims of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission handles identity theft allegations. Their website includes complaint forms, an affidavit form, an example letter to send to reporting firms, and information about victims’ rights. The United States Department of Justice offers preventative tips, everyday circumstances, and victim assistance. The United States Secret Service is in charge of bank fraud, telecommunications and cybercrime, fraudulent identity, fraudulent public and corporate securities, and electronic money transfer fraud.
To conclude, the research has revealed several significant results regarding identity theft crime. First, the paper has demonstrated that the primary external influences on the rate are political, economic, and social. Next, the work has illustrated that the lack or presence of law enforcement does not influence the incidence of ID theft, while demographics and awareness level play a significant role in the issue. Next, the study outlines that education in cybersecurity and caution regarding disclosing personal and enterprise data is the recommended preventive measure. Finally, there are multiple resources and services for victims of identity theft in the US.
References
Center for Identity Management and Information Protection. (n.d.). Identity Crimes. Utica University. Web.
Gies, S. V., & Piquero, N. (2021). Recover me if you can: Assessing services to victims of identity theft. Department of Justice. Web.
Goel, R. K. (2019). Identity theft in the internet age: Evidence from the U.S. states. Managerial and Decision Economics, 40(2), 169–175. Web.
Hedayati, A. (2012). An analysis of identity theft: Motives, related frauds, techniques and prevention. Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution, 4(1), 1–12. Web.
Hu, X., Zhang, X., & Lovrich, N. P. (2020). Forecasting identity theft victims: Analyzing characteristics and preventive actions through machine learning approaches. Victims & Offenders, 16(4), 465–494. Web.
Identity theft statistics. (2021). Balancing Everything. Web.
Labong, R. C. (2021). Identity theft protection strategies: A literature review. Journal of Academic Research, 4(2), 1–12. Web.
Maitlo, A., Ameen, N., Peikari, H. R., & Shah, M. (2019). Preventing identity theft. Information Technology & People, 32(5), 1184–1214. Web.
Shahidullah, S. M., McGee, Z., & Coates, C. M. (2022). Advancements in global cyber security laws and regulations. IGI Global, 305. Web.
Van de Weijer, S. G., Leukfeldt, R., & Bernasco, W. (2018). Determinants of reporting cybercrime: A comparison between identity theft, consumer fraud, and hacking. European Journal of Criminology, 16(4), 486–508. Web.
Vanhee, A. J. (2022). Increased protection versus the cost of increased protection: Victimization and the use of protective measures against identity theft. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 009385482211058. Web.