Identity Theft is a criminal act in which an individual unlawfully obtains and uses someone else’s personal information, such as name, Social Security number, credit card details, or other financial data, without permission. The intention behind identity theft is typically to commit fraud or other crimes, such as obtaining loans, credit, or making purchases in the victim’s name. This violation of privacy can lead to significant financial loss, damage to the victim’s credit score, and emotional distress. Identity theft can occur through various means, including phishing scams, data breaches, and social engineering tactics. It encompasses a range of activities, including credit card fraud, bank fraud, and the creation of counterfeit documents. Victims of identity theft may take steps to recover their identity, such as monitoring credit reports, reporting fraudulent activities, and placing alerts or freezes on their credit files. Legal measures and laws exist to combat identity theft, but prevention remains crucial, involving the safeguarding of personal information and vigilance against potential scams.
A new scam, known as "smishing," targets commuters by impersonating toll service notifications and demanding false payments. Scammers create convincing fake websites that mimic real toll service pages, attempting to…