Top Ten Scams of the Decade #3
Number Three: Identity Theft
The most valuable thing you can steal from a person is their identity.
If you get me enough personal information about an individual, I can duplicate their identification, take out credit cards, obtain morgages and buy houses in their name.
Worst of all, the laws of many countries hold the victim responsible for debts created by the con artist. People have lost houses and been declared bankrupt through no fault of their own.
At the same time, we have a relaxed attitude to our personal data. We’re happy to hand out dates of birth, addresses, mother’s maiden names at the drop of the hat.
I can help you, just send me your name, date of birth and passport number and you’ll never have your identity pinched again.
Tomorrow: Advance Fee Fraud