Graduation Year
2017
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Mathematics and Computer Science
Program or Major
Mathematics
Faculty Advisor
Joseph Alfano
Keywords
Fraud, Internet security, Personal information management
Abstract
Each year identity theft victimizes more people, taking their time, money, and feeling of financial and physical security. Despite its ongoing presence in the news and media, this fraud is too often treated in a reactive manner. Due to the lack of prevention of identity theft, its negative consequences range from damaging one’s credit score for decades to cases of medical identity theft incorrectly altering a patient’s medical records and causing potentially life threatening complications. This thesis examines four major types of identity theft, including medical identity theft, credit card fraud, consumer data breaches, and the identity theft associated with tax returns. It explores what they entail, how perpetrators commit the fraud, and recommendations for prevention. With a look into what the theft is and how it is committed, we can be better informed and able to slow its prevalence in our society.
Recommended Citation
Monaco, Mallory, "Identity Theft: A Look into Preventing Decades of Damages" (2017). Honors Theses. 24.
https://digitalcommons.assumption.edu/honorstheses/24