Identity Theft in America

“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation” (Oscar Wilde). This quote illustrates how in our world, a person’s identity can be easily changed. Many Americans are effected by this problem today. Citizens, criminals, and the government all play a role in this process. However, many disagree as to whether identity theft should be allowed in our country. Based on the history of identity theft and relationships between American citizens, the government, and this issue, identity theft should be abolished in America.

The history of identity theft began around the 1950’s, prior to when our 49th state joined the United States. Identity theft used to be a physical issue. The criminal would murder the victim, then take the name and personal information of the victim (“History of Identity Theft”). The crime was originally not influenced by the desire for money, but rather a way to gain a new identity (“History of Identity Theft”). Years later, however, the crime began to evolve into a way to acquire money. The criminals began to use the telephone to commit their crimes. Almost 100% of identity fraud attempts were by use of the telephone during the 1960’s and 1970’s (“History of Identity Theft”). As this kind of thievery became more known, it occurred less often. Thieves began to look though the trash of the victims, trying to obtain credit card numbers and other personal information (“History of Identity Theft”). Today, the theft of credit card data has increased by 50% from 2005- 2010 (Anderson). Because of this, businesses have become more private about consumers’ private information (“Identity Theft Hits 27 Million Since ’98”). Identity theft has devel...

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...e people of America at the same time. By doing away with identity theft in the United States, the wellness of our beloved country would be significantly improved.

Works Sited

Anderson, Craig J. "Identity Theft Growing Costly to Victims." USA Today. N.p., 2013. Web. 22 Apr. 2014.

Chappell, Robert P. Child Identity Theft: What Every Parent Needs to Know. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2013. Print.

Dadisho, Ed. "Identity Theft and the Police Response: The Problem." Police Chief Magazine. N.p., 2005. Web. 22 Apr. 2014.

"History of Identity Theft." History of Identity Theft. N.p., 2009. Web. 3 May 2014.

"Identity Theft Hits 27 Million since '98." Chicago Tribune. N.p., 4 Sept. 2003. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.

Kiesbye, Stefan, ed. Identity Theft. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012. Print.

""Total Identity Theft" Growing, Authorities Fear." CBS News. N.p., 23 Oct. 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.