What are some of the methods used by identity thieves to obtain private information?
The most common source of private information is still stolen or misplaced purses and wallets. Shoulder surfing is the act of observing someone write or type personal information in public, such as account numbers or PINs at ATMs. Dumpster diving is the act of stealing private information from discarded documents in trash or recycling bins, and unsecured mailboxes are also targets. Data may be misappropriated by employees of organizations holding personal information as part of doing business. Internet or database penetration is another source, among others.
