Many people think that identity theft is a crime committed by professional thieves who operate large scams. These same people think the only way to stop identity theft is to pass laws. (As if we didn't have enough laws already that are not being enforced today.) You can find hundreds of ridiculous newspaper and magazine articles about the need to lock up vital records of 100 years ago or even older in the name of "preventing identity theft."
In fact, most identity theft is local, committed by a friend, a relative, or a casual acquaintance as a one-on-one crime. Most criminals will not go to the vital records department; simply put, there are far easier ways to obtain the information. Laws won't stop 99% of identity theft; the only effective defense is common sense.
Chris Pirillo of the GnomeReport discovered the real cause of one potential case of identity theft and wrote about it in the GnomeReport. You have to read this one! Click here.
