What is "identity theft"?

What is "identity theft"?

Robert Siciliano (Identity Theft Expert and CEO) gives expert video advice on: What are the most common kinds of low-tech identity theft?; What kind of personal information should I avoid giving out?; What are some of the ways my identity can be stolen? and more...

Identity theft is when someone compromises your personal information and they either open up accounts under your name, or they essentially become you. They can even live as you. The identity theft assumption in the Terrence Act was created in 1998, which essentially was the very first law that said that identity theft was a crime and it was in fact illegal. Since that time there have been many additional laws on the books that have strengthened penalties for identity theft.