by Leigh Goessl

Created on: February 25, 2010   Last Updated: May 05, 2012

Identity theft continues to be on the rise. According to Javelin Strategy and Research, almost 10 million victims were impacted by identity theft in 2008 alone.  This was a 22% increase from 2007, and these are staggering statistics.

In addition, in 2009 identity theft became the top complaint issued by consumers. In early 2010 the Federal Trade Commission reported that 21% of registered complaints were those concerning identity theft. At the rate this crime is growing, it is no wonder so many people are complaining and rightfully concerned.

Identity thieves continue to develop craftier, savvier and trickier ways to pilfer personal information from victims. They are not shy about their intent and are willing to stoop to any level in order to obtain the data they seek in order to reap the financial benefits that can be attained through identity theft.

Here are a few top identity theft techniques used by thieves:

• Dumpster Diving

While it doesn't sound too glamorous, picking through trash is a popular way identity thieves use to steal personal information. Thieves have picked up on the fact people simply throw this information away and they have decided it is theirs for the taking.

There is a lot of valuable information that can be attained this way. Account numbers, social security numbers, full names and addresses, companies being used, registration information and much more. Each scrap may or may not mean anything by itself, but when pieced together with other trash, thieves can establish a good foundation for identity theft. Always shred everything!

• Phishing Expeditions

Social engineering is an approach many thieves engage in to steal information. They can be sympathetic, urgent, pushy or play on emotions. These social engineering techniques are often conducted in a variety of ways such as the Internet, telephone and some identity thieves are bold enough to do this in person. 

• Stealing Mail

Another common way for identity thieves to mark their target is to pilfer from mailboxes. Since a lot of sensitive information is delivered by mail such as government correspondences, tax information, utility bills, credit card information, and bank statements, a mailbox is like a treasure chest for thieves.

Not only do they obtain valuable information, they also may steal mail through a change of address card and redirecting the mail to a new address; this way they can keep the riches flowing with information.

• Gadgets

Cell phones, GPS systems, laptops, and even iPods can put individuals at risk for identity theft. Many of these gadgets contain names, phone numbers are other valuable information that gives identity thieves a good starting point. Be sure and limit information stored and keep these systems locked down with passwords where possible.

While some of the techniques used by identity thieves are traditionally old fashioned ways of theft, they are getting more sophisticated and evolving into big business. Identity theft is no longer a one man operation. Many identity theft rings are cropping up and in the process leave behind a trail of devastation and frustration for both victims and law enforcement.

The bottom line is no one is immune to the possibility of being impacted by identity theft and as long as thieves continue to get creative in the many ways they can steal information it is up to individuals to prepare, arm and educate themselves the best they can in order to void the techniques used by identity thieves.

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