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Identity Theft Is Not Had A Clear Definition

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Introduction
Identity theft has not had a clear definition. The unclear definition is due to the complexity of the facts regarding identity theft. Identity theft, also known as ‘the crime of the new millennium’ or white color theft has come to the public eyes due to the impacts of the act (Craats, 2005). Identity theft occurs when a person misappropriates another person’s information and uses it with the intention of gaining some particular advantages. In this case, a person means not only a human being but also a legal person such as a company (Craats, 2005). In most cases, the advantage gained is financial, for example, presuming identity of a person, taking their credit card and through deception, withdrawing money from their accounts. In U.S, the federal law defines identity theft as ‘knowingly transferring, holding, or using, without authorized right, a way of identification of another individual with the intent to undertake, aid any illegal activity that includes violation of Federal law, or that constitutes a felony under any national or local law.’ Identity theft has been said to be made easier due to globalization and lack of cyber borders (Giles 2010). Lack of cyber borders provides a ripe environment for identity thieves to function from within the state 's borders as well as from beyond.

Abstract As the definition states, identity theft takes two processes. The first process is collection of information followed by fraudulent use of the information.

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