How are people able to use a person's sensitive, personal data to get loans and stuff with their information?

People are able to use another person's sensitive personal data to fraudulently obtain loans and other services through several methods, commonly referred to as identity theft. Here’s how it typically works: 1. **Data Breaches**: Large corporations, financial institutions, and online services often hold vast amounts of personal data. When these entities are hacked, the attackers can steal sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and personal identification information. 2. **Phishing**: Cybercriminals often employ phishing tactics, sending emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate organizations to trick individuals into providing their personal information. These messages might direct victims to fake websites designed to capture login credentials or sensitive data. 3. **Social Engineering**: This involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information. For example, scammers might impersonate bank representatives over the phone to convince someone to share their Social Security number or account details. 4. **Public Information**: Some personal data can be obtained from public records. Information such as property records, court documents, and even social media profiles can provide enough details for identity theft. 5. **Use of Malware**: Some criminals use malware to infect computers and networks to capture keystrokes, which can reveal passwords, bank logins, and other sensitive information. 6. **Stolen Documents**: Physical theft of personal documents such as driver's licenses, passports, and credit cards can also give thieves the information needed to impersonate someone. ### Preventive Measures To protect against identity theft, individuals should take various precautions: - Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible. - Be cautious about sharing personal information online and verify the identity of those requesting it. - Regularly monitor credit reports and bank statements for any unauthorized activity. - Consider using credit monitoring services that can alert individuals to suspicious activity. - Shred documents containing personal information before discarding them. Laws and regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the U.S. provide rights for individuals to monitor their credit reports and take action against identity theft, including placing fraud alerts or credit freezes on their accounts.