Why is every type of fraud now being called identity theft?

Question

Even the old style credit card fraud is retitled I.D fraud or I.D theft, it used to simply be called deception. Is anyone else cynical about this, are we being programmed to "willingly" accept I.D cards?

Answer 1

With respect ID theft is not the crime that has been committed that is the crime of theft from the bank or lender and has nothing whatsoever to do with the person whose ID has been used to perpetuate the crime.

Theft is taking something away with the intention of permanently or temporarily depriving its owner - no-one's ID goes anywhere

This is a con on all of us to excuse the lack of care being taken by banks etc and to make us liable for their incompetence and carelessness

This really needs to be taken through the courts and challenged in principle.

Answer 2

"are we being programmed to "willingly" accept I.D cards?" - By who? The "media" (as if they are a consolidated body) The government? Which one? Federal? ID Theft is used more by state governments that already issue ID cards.

ID theft is a common and understood term that more correctly describes the crimes.

Answer 3

Think the term"identity fraud" has been cornered by the media to encompass any crime connected with deception brought about by pretending to be the victim, in whichever way.
As for ID cards, I think the loss of the disks from the Child Benefit office have scuppered that idea.

Answer 4

Perhaps.

But I feel that since identity theft is heavily in the news of late, that you are simply more aware of it than before.

I still see cases of credit card fraud, forgery, cheque fraud. And they don't seem to have declined.

Answer 5

It is the "in " word at the moment and the media love it... Cynical about ID cards? yes I am .... will they fight terrorism no just look at the countries that carry them