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identity theft terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| spyware | a type of malicious software (malware) that secretly infiltrates devices to monitor user activity, steal personal data like passwords and credit card numbers, and transmit this information to attackers without consent |
| dumpster diving | search through dumpsters or similar trash receptacles for edible food or items of value. |
| firewall | a part of a computer system or network which is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication. |
| forgery | criminal act of falsely creating, altering, or using a written instrument—such as checks, wills, or contracts—with the intent to defraud |
| fraud | the intentional deception, trickery, or misrepresentation of information to gain financial or personal advantage, often involving identity theft, phishing, or financial scams |
| identity theft | occurs when someone steals your personal information—such as your name, Social Security number, or financial details—and uses it without permission to commit fraud, such as opening new accounts, making purchases, or stealing tax refunds |
| peer to peer | denoting or relating to computer networks in which each computer can act as a server for the others, allowing shared access to files and peripherals without the need for a central server. |
| phishing | the fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. |
| shoulder surfing | a social engineering technique where an attacker spies on a user's screen, keyboard, or conversations in public—such as cafes, airports, or ATMs—to steal sensitive data like passwords, PINs, and credit card numbers |
| snail mail | the ordinary postal system as opposed to email. |
| scams | a dishonest scheme to gain money or possessions from someone fraudulently, especially a complex or prolonged one. |
| anti virus software | providing essential real-time protection, ransomware defense, and device scanning to prevent, detect, and remove malware. |
| better business bureau | s a private, non-profit organization founded in 1912 that aims to foster trust between consumers and businesses |
| federal trade commission | is an independent U.S. government agency established in 1914 to protect consumers and promote competition by preventing unfair, deceptive, or anticompetitive business practices. |
| equifax | nationwide consumer credit reporting agencies in the U.S., alongside Experian and TransUnion. Founded in 1899 |
| transunion | American consumer credit reporting agencies |
| experian | Experian is one of the "Big Three" nationwide consumer credit reporting agencies, alongside Equifax and TransUnion. It collects information on over 1 billion people and businesses |
| internal revenue service | t agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws, collecting taxes, processing returns, and providing taxpayer assistance. |
| solicitations | the act of asking for or trying to obtain something from someone. |
| spam | s the illegal acquisition and use of another person’s personal or financial information—such as names, Social Security numbers, or credit card details—without permission, typically to commit fraud |