What is identity?

Before the issue of identity theft can be addressed, you may be wondering, what makes up one’s identity (ID)? Individuals use certain information to identify themselves. I call this information, ID component. The information could be something you have (an ID card or passport), something you know (like a password or PIN), or something you are (fingerprint or retina and iris). These information, alone or combined, identify you to others or tie ownership of something back to you (such as a house or a phone). Depending on where you live, your social class, the level of daily activities and involvement in various social events, your specific ID is made up of most likely more than one component. There are certain ID components which apply to almost ALL individuals living in a certain country such as a social security number for ALL US citizens and residents. However, not every one has a student ID, gym membership, phone, passport or even a driver’s license. Therefore, as you can see, depending on who you are, one or more components constitute who you are and what you own. These components (alone or combined with others) validate your identification or your ownership of certain things. Of course, certain information is more valuable, depending on the original reasons for the identity theft. Notice I say “original” because the original objective for the information theft may be altered by the identity thieves who may discover more valuable uses for the stolen information following the theft. So, what are some of the stuff that make up and/or validate your ID or tie things to you for the purposes of ID theft? Here they are:

Social security number, birth certificate, death certificate (if not properly reported, may be misused), marriage certificate, your name, phone number, car registration, passport, , ID card, driver’s license, gym membership card, credit cards, debit cards, checking and savings accounts, your phone (the serial number), your phone number, brokerage accounts, mortgage accounts and statements, deeds and titles, student ID, password, PIN, ........

Just to name a few.

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