It may be hard to believe, but so-called dumpster diving is still practiced by identity thieves today. This means that the thief steals your garbage and rifles through it in search of old bank statements, bills, voided checks, and other paperwork that includes personal and financial information about your family. Even having these credit applications available online has proven to be a big reason for the increase of identity theft. Hackers may be able to get their hands on such information that they can use for a number of crimes using an unwilling victim s identity. Anyone can be a victim of identity theft. If you have a credit card, you can be a potential victim. Breaking the Misnomers of Social Security One's social security number is a string of numbers that identify an individual. 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. Notorious criminals gaining control over important data of checking accounts, credit cards, social security, telephone numbers, passwords to either website or bank accounts, certainly will create havoc. Aside from using influence over one s name thru purported deceptions, he will continue committing bad actions under one s name to destroy long-established good reputation. Life is at stake, personal and social life. How can someone steal your identity? By asuming your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information for their own use. In short, identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. 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. Some even listen in on your conversation if you give your credit-card number over the telephone to a hotel or rental car company.