Identity Theft is a form of fraud in which an individual’s personal information, such as name, Social Security number, credit card details, or other identifying data, is stolen and used without their consent for financial gain or other malicious purposes. Perpetrators of identity theft may use the stolen information to make unauthorized purchases, open fraudulent accounts, obtain loans or credit lines, or commit other forms of financial fraud, posing significant risks to the victim’s finances, creditworthiness, and personal security.
Identity theft involves stealing personal information to impersonate victims, leading to fraudulent activities such as draining bank accounts or obtaining unauthorized loans. Criminals may even secure employment or housing using the victim’s identity.
The ongoing coverage of the substantial Equifax data breach highlights its significance. With over 143 million American consumers potentially affected, if you possess a credit report, you may be among those whose sensitive personal information was compromised.
Since January 2010, over two million Massachusetts residents have been impacted by data breaches, with 25% attributed to deliberate hacking and 15% involving theft of credit card numbers. The recent Sony breach exposed personal data of over 100 million customers, illustrating the pervasive threat of cyber attacks across businesses of all sizes.
Murphy Insurance Agency provides insurance solutions across Massachusetts and New England. Where you live is not a barrier to our assisting you. We are proud to serve the communities where our customers live and work, including Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bellingham, Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Boston, Boxborough, Boylston, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Devens, Dunstable, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Millville, Natick, Norfolk, Northborough, Northbridge, Pepperell, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Upton, Uxbridge, Wayland, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Whitinsville, Worcester, and last but not least, Wrentham.