Glossary

If you've never had to deal with identity theft before, you might be a little unfamiliar with some of the terms or jargon out there. In order to fully prevent identity theft, you need to better understand just what you're up against. Take a look at this helpful glossary of some of the most important identity theft terms:

• Check Washing - This is a form of identity theft where criminals get a hold of one of your checks that's already been made out to someone. By dipping the check in a chemical, they essentially erase your writing and can then make out the check to themselves for a different amount.
• Data Encryption - A technique employed by websites to keep your personal information safe. It puts your information in a format that is extremely difficult to decipher.
• Dumpster Diving - A method identity thieves use to attain your personal information. Generally, it involves going through garbage and trash in search of credit card offers or account statements.
• Fraud Alert - An alert placed on your credit report by the credit bureaus, informing companies that someone may be trying to steal your identity. It's intended to prevent lenders from further issuing credit in your name, since it may not actually be you.
• Hacker - A general term that refers to anyone that uses technology to exploit security holes. Hackers may be capable of stealing your information online.
• Identity Fraud - Unlike identity theft, identity fraud usually involves using the information of a fake person, rather than stealing that of a real person.
• Mail Fraud - In terms of identity theft, mail fraud usually involves a criminal stealing your mail right out of your mail box. They often look for pre-approved credit card offers, then get them sent to a different address.
• Phishing - The act of scamming someone into giving them your personal information. There are thousands of phishing scams online and through e-mail.
• Shoulder Surfing - This occurs when an identity thief watches you input your PIN number at an ATM or check-out station. They can then use your PIN number to access your credit card or bank accounts.
• Skimming - In this type of identity theft, a criminal swipes your credit card on their own personal card reader to attain your information. This crime typically occurs at gas stations or restaurants where one might give their card to an employee to swipe.
• Spyware - General term referring to any type of technology that gathers personal information on someone, typically spread through the internet.
• Virus - A virus is a malicious computer program or file that can negatively affect the machine's performance. Some viruses can be used to access personal information on an infected computer.
• Worm - In computer terms, a worm is a type of virus that can replicate itself by sending infected e-mails or network messages.

If you are still unsure about preventing identity theft and still have unanswered questions, then read to see if they have been asked and answered previously, in the frequently asked questions.