The massive conversion to computers and the web has made our lives much easier. We can communicate and process information at unbelievable speeds. Such efficiency, however, comes with a price more and more of us are having to pay.

Data breaches and the resulting identity theft situations are a definite price of the modern computer age. The first step is, of course, the data breach which is simple some act that successfully eludes a security system to access financial information.

Many people think the goal of a data breach is to get your bank account or credit card information. The sophisticated criminal, however, really wants your social security number, address and phone number. This info can be used to open new accounts.

The average database does not contain all these golden nuggets of info. To fill in the gaps, the criminal element will steal your email address and start emailing you fraudulent messages to try to entice you to provide it.

The email messages used to ensare you are fairly sophisticated, not the cheesy misspelled emails you often get. Instead, they appear as though they are from a major source, such as the IRS, which leads you to cough up information.

Regardless of how your income is obtained, the data breach leads inevitably to identity theft. Most people think identity theft comes in one general form, but there are many different ways your information is used and sold by thieves.

Given the noise made by the media, you already know how money is made off your info. Theives open new accounts in your name, run up the bill and pay nothing back. Alternatively, they charge things to your current accounts.

The open a new account scam is an old one. A new way criminals are making money with your info has to do with another opportunity appearing in society. Simply put, they sell your full identity for actual use in day-to-day life.

There are more than a few people that would like to start over in life. Specifically, they are running from obligations or the law. This constitutes the first reason people are willing to pay big bucks to start a second life under your name.

One of the more controversial issues today, illegal immigration, also gives rise to identity theft. Many jobs now require an applicant to present a social security card. Illegals don't have them, so they are willing to buy yours and use it!

Many have said that data breaches and theft of identities can be wiped out. They are wrong. Every advance in society comes with a price and identity theft is it in this case. Stay on top of your credit and catch problems early.