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In many countries, financial crime involving identity theft is increasing. What are the causes of this trend, and what effect does identity theft have on the victims involved?

#countries #crime #identity #theft #trend #effect #victims
There is no doubt that identity fraud is a great concern, especially in western countries where
people
Suggestion
People
 are most at risk. I think there are two main causes, and a number of damaging effects. The major cause is probably the almost universal
use
 of digital technology to store financial
data
Suggestion
Data
 and undertake financial transactions. It is surprisingly easy for criminals to obtain personal
information
Suggestion
Information
 about a possible victim, and
then
 to
use
this
 information to impersonate the target. Because bank accounts and loans can be applied for digitally, without the need for face-to-face
contact
Suggestion
Contact
, the criminals are able to apply for financial products remotely, often before the victim is even aware of the attack. The
second
 key cause is, I believe, the increasing probability of ‘traditional’ crimes (
such
 as armed robbery, mugging or burglary) being detected. When criminals see the widespread
use
 of CCTV, DNA profiling and fingerprinting, they are less inclined to indulge in
such
 old-fashioned crimes. Rather, they prefer the lower risk and more profitable
use
 of data-based crimes. The effects on the unfortunate victims can be quite devastating.
Firstly
, there is the loss of
money
Suggestion
Money
 from bank accounts or by being connected to a fraudulent loan. In some cases,
this
 can take years for the victim to pay back or resolve with the banks and the authorities.
Secondly
, there is the damage to their credit rating, which means they may find it impossible to obtain legitimate credit in future. In extreme cases, people’s employment prospects can even be damaged as well, as they find themselves profiled as a financial risk. Overall, the presence of technology and the decline of ‘traditional’ crimes are the key causes behind
this
 trend. The effects on the victims involve long-term financial hardship in many instances.
Submitted by hungprok on

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