These days, there is much more to worry about when using your computer to go online than contending with viruses. An even bigger and more looming threat is the cause of much concern to people who spend a lot of time on the internet. This rapidly growing problem is online identity theft. It is believed to be the fastest growing of all crimes in the US, both online and offline.

Each time that you switch on your computer you are at risk of becoming a victim of online identity theft. Identity theft refers to the act of unlawfully gaining access to your private and confidential information such as your name, address, bank account number and information, social security number and date of birth. When this information is stolen it can be used for various acts that can leave the victim of online identity theft wondering just what has hit them.

When you go online you need to be very careful about who has access to your personal information. When making online purchases you must ensure that the company you are buying from is reputable. It means dealing only with trustworthy online companies and only those that have secure web pages into which you enter your personal information. The best way of ascertaining that a web page is secure is to look for a padlock symbol in the address of the website. Usually, the address will start with “https” and not simply “http.”

A common ploy used by people indulging in online identity theft is duplicating the web page of some of the better known companies. These fraudsters will try and duplicate information with a few minor changes in order to fool people into entering their personal data, which is then captured and used against them.

Yet another means being employed by people engaged in online identity theft is to send spam emails asking you to divulge your personal details in order to receive a prize or get money that you supposedly won in a lottery.

To prevent identity theft online you must only provide your personal details to trusted people and organizations. Also, do so only via a secure web page. And steer clear of junk emails that are trying to trap you into doing something foolish.

Obtaining online identity theft protection is one way of addressing this growing menace that is reaching epidemic proportions not only in the US but in many other parts of the world.