PREVENTION OF IDENTITY THEFT: AN ANALYSIS

Abstract

Identity theft is the crime of acquiring other person's private or financial data for the purpose of assuming the name or identification of the victim and commit crimes. Such data can be used in the name of that victim to commit crimes in the name of the victim, to acquire credit or loans, products and services and even provide fake credentials to government authorities. The crime has advanced with the advancement of technology over the past few years in India. To prevent cybercrimes such as identity theft and other computerrelated/internet-based crimes, in the year of 2000, Indian Government enacted The Information Technology Act, 2000, amended in 2008. Identity theft is also governed by few provisions (Section 147A, Section 419, Section 463) of Indian Penal code, 1860. This research paper will analyze the implementation of the Act in India and other preventive measures taken by the Government of India relating to the matter of securing personal data and preventing the theft of identity. Key words: Identity, Identity theft, Data Technology, Cyber-crime, Phishing/vishing, Skimming, Hacking, Shoulder surfing, Dumpster diving, Mail theft, Pretexting.