Protecting Identity is More Than Protecting Individuality Do you remember that Hollywood blockbuster several years ago involving a woman that needed to keep running because of a compromised identity with information taken from the Internet? Or more recently, there was yet another Hollywood offering that shows a regular family man's ideal home and family turned into a suspense-filled arena for a bank heist because of sensitive information gathered from the family trash? In the United States and Canada, for example, many people have reported that unauthorized persons have taken funds out of their bank or financial accounts and in the worst cases, took over their identities, obtaining huge debts and committing crimes while using the victims's names. In these cases, the victim's losses may include not only financial losses, but additional financial costs associated with trying to restore his reputation. Many people do not realize just how easily con artists can get valuable personal information without having to break into our homes. In public places, these criminals may engage in "shoulder surfing" where they will watch you from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone number or credit card number. The social security system was formed precisely to offer protection and security to an individual through benefits and such. However, in the past few years, one's social security number has proven to be the cause that threatens both one's personal protection and security. Identity theft continues to be a threat to many individuals in America and across the globe. Other identity numbers, such as specialized ATM s, Credit Cards, Master Cards, issued for high end use, and benefits with high potential credibility, are approved and released on strict and stiff screening process that allow the individual, to use on international travel and expense abroad, instead of carrying cash bulk, or money transfers that entail more time and effort. Every one should be aware that such a threat exists. One should be able to know the signs if someone has already stolen his or her identity. One sign would be finding discrepancies on your credit records. If you have found out that you have charges on your credit card that you haven t known about, chances are that someone has been using your credit card.