Editing Identity theft (section)

== Potential outcomes ==

Identity theft is a serious problem in the United States. In a 2018 study, it was reported that 60 million Americans' identities had been wrongfully acquired.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|url=https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo90910|title=Protecting Children from Identity Theft Act: report (to accompany H.R. 5192) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office).|last1=United States|last2=Congress|last3=House|last4=Committee on Ways and Means|date=2018|language=en}}</ref> In response, under advisement from the [[Identity Theft Resource Center]], some new bills have been implemented to improve security such as requiring electronic signatures and social security verification.<ref name=":02" />

Several types of identity theft are used to gather information, one of the most common types occurs when consumers make online purchases.<ref name=":12" /> A study was conducted with 190 people to determine the relationship between the constructs of fear of financial losses and reputational damages.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal|last1=Gašper|first1=Jordan|last2=Robert|first2=Leskovar|last3=Miha|first3=Marič|date=1 May 2018|title=Impact of Fear of Identity Theft and Perceived Risk on Online Purchase Intention|url=https://doaj.org/article/f1b7b6fe687348f994d559d57e6d46c1|journal=Organizacija|language=en|volume=51|issue=2|issn=1581-1832}}</ref> The conclusions of this study revealed that identity theft was a positive correlation with reputable damages.<ref name=":12" /> The relationship between perceived risk and online purchase intention were negative.<ref name=":12" /> The significance of this study reveals that online companies are more aware of the potential harm that can be done to their consumers, therefore they are searching for ways to reduce the perceived risk of consumers and not lose out on business.

Victims of identity theft may face years of effort proving to the legal system that they are the true person,<ref name=":22" /> leading to emotional strain and financial losses. Most identity theft is perpetrated by a family member of the victim, and some may not be able to obtain new credit cards or open new bank accounts or loans.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cutimes.com/2017/10/02/id-theft-aftermath-shows-a-wake-of-financial-and-e/?slreturn=20180918084135|title=ID Theft Aftermath Shows a Wake of Financial and Emotional Victims {{!}} Credit Union Times|work=Credit Union Times|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>