How to prevent it
By John Hough
According to Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-5-902, “(A) person commits identity theft if he or she knowingly uses the personal identifying information, financial identifying information, or financial device of another without permission or lawful authority with the intent to obtain cash, credit, property, services, or any other thing of value or to make a financial payment.” A “financial device” is defined by the statutes as any instrument or device that can be used to obtain cash, credit, property, services or any other thing of value or to make a financial payment. “Financial devices” include credit cards, banking cards, debit cards, electronic fund transfer cards, guaranteed check cards, checks, negotiable orders of withdrawal, shared drafts or money orders.
In more easily understandable language, identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of another person’s identifying information (such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and mother’s maiden name) in order to impersonate them. This information enables the identity thief to commit numerous forms of fraud including taking over the victim’s financial accounts; opening new bank accounts; purchasing automobiles, computers and other merchandise; applying for loans, credit cards, and Social Security benefits; renting apartments; and establishing services with utility and phone companies.
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