Identity theft occurs when someone else wrongfully uses your information and acts like you and intends to commit fraud in your name. Criminals usually collect other people's names, driver's licenses, or Social Security numbers. They obtain your Social Security number because this way they can easily obtain fake lines of credit and accumulate significant debt in your name. Someone can also carry out criminal acts using your identity. Criminals can obtain some of this information by hacking your emails, Facebook, and other social media sites. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Most online teens say the main reason their identity may have been stolen is the content they post on their social media accounts. Another reason why identity theft happens among teens is because, according to a study conducted by the (Family Online Safety Institute), 34% of teens say they have shared their username and password with someone other than their own parent or guardian. When teens tell other people their passwords, they are more likely to experience identity theft. Very often you will know whether you are a victim or not if something wrong starts to happen, such as bank balance decrees, more debt, wrong things posted on your social media, online crimes you are not involved in and much more. People can hack into your online bank accounts and use your information to get what they want. One way to prevent online identity theft is to never share your password with others. Keep your password as secret as possible. When you create a password, you make it something difficult, so that no one can guess or hack it. Secondly, don't use your real name in your password. When making online payments make sure your online browser is protected by online security or antivirus programs, etc. Never save card numbers or pins. Make sure you enable all security features such as WPA encryption. Change the default password and SSID on your wireless router. It is best to log out completely and close your browser once you have finished a secure session. Do not download files or click on hyperlinks provided by strangers.