Technology plays a role in about half the total cases of identity theft. Printers, mobile phones, computers and the Internet have been used one way or the other to accomplish the crime. Perpetrators use them both on people they know or do not know although studies would show that identity thieves tend to hit more on the latter.

Identity theft may also occur in the workplace where data is stolen from an employer. Being a victim can bring untold hardships and misery as criminals do their acts in your name. Once the needed details are extracted, they can buy for you, sell for you, or transact for you in any other manner and leave you broke.