Identifying Trends in Identity Theft and How to Prevent It

Recently the press and the public policy makers have begun to speak of "Identity Theft" as though it was a novel concept requiring severe new legislation. These laws are likely to put significant new burdens on business. While most identity theft problems originate via plain old "snail mail", the discussion these days is all about the Internet. The sponsors of the legislation point to exponential growth in the problem as justification for these laws. . . . Recently the press and the public policy makers have begun to speak of "Identity Theft" as though it was a novel concept requiring severe new legislation. These laws are likely to put significant new burdens on business. While most identity theft problems originate via plain old "snail mail", the discussion these days is all about the Internet. The sponsors of the legislation point to exponential growth in the problem as justification for these laws.

This paper suggests that the "growth" actually comes from redefining traditional fraud, not from the growth of the internet. It begins with as discussion of the concept of identity and ends with recommendations for individuals, fiduciaries and merchants to safeguard themselves.

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