Expository Essay on Identity Theft

 Identity theft comes in many forms: from credit card theft to social security numbers, people nowadays have the power to steal or take what they own or even who they identify themselves to be. Especially in today’s society with the advancement of technology, it is much easier to scam credit cards and the identification of others. It is important to educate all age groups from teens to elders about the importance of being safe, smart, and aware of credit card scammers and stereotypical opinions on pageantry.

First, it is important to be educated about credit card scammers with information on what to look out for and how to protect your identity. Most of the time scams look like the real deal, which tricks the victims into believing it is authentic and valid. Scams come in many forms, from emails to phone calls and even online ads, so it is important to make sure it is coming from an accredited source. Most scammers are manipulative and target young ages and elders who are too young to know better or too old to understand, which is why I stated before the first step to stop the spread of victims is to be educated. In the journal, “SCAMS: What You Need to Know,” Ingrid Paguar speaks on various actions you can take to help prevent scams. One type of scam is government and banking. “These scammers say they are from a government body or a bank and that you are owed money, usually a refund of overcharged fees or taxes. You will

be asked to pay a fee and supply your banking/personal details, but the refund money will never be deposited in your account and the scammer has your details” (Paguar 36). This will give the scammers your banking information, which leads to future access or credit and debit cards. Since they have access they can purchase anything under your name which could cause lower credit scores.

Since credit card scammers are attacking various people, it is important to learn about tips on how to protect yourself and what to be aware of when scammers come your way. “Don't fall for promises. The companies claim to have a special relationship with your credit card company. But the FTC said investigators found that people who pay for these services don't get the interest rate reductions or savings promised, and don't pay off their credit card debt three to five times faster, as promised” (Willis). Scammers will trick you into thinking they have a relationship with your credit card company, when in fact, they do not. Scammers will say anything too promising to be true to get your attention. Getting your attention and making you believe it is true will only cause problems for you and your credit card company.

Credit card scammers will find a way to contact you in different forms. From phone calls and letters, they will trick you into believing they are available sources. One way that credit card scammers contact people is through email. Through emails, the scammers are trying to receive your personal information to have access to your bank account or any form of account on the internet that has access to your credit or debit cards. Scammers will also come up with events that are personal to you to receive your information. “The scammer might indicate you've inherited money from an uncle you didn't know you had, but to collect it you need to pay legal fees first. Or you won a lottery but need to pay a small fee of only $100 to obtain your prize” (Goldsborough 14). Scammers grab your attention by paying a small fee to receive a bigger fee. They are smart, creative, and determined to receive access to your account.

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While credit card scammers have tricked people for years, banks are ready to fight back. A well-known credit card company, MasterCard, has become aware of credit card scammers and is starting to protect its customers. “Its Operation STOP IT has helped shut down 750 Websites trafficking in stolen consumer credit card account numbers and almost 1,400 counterfeit financial institution sites” (Wolfe). While MasterCard has started its Operation “STOP IT,” it has protected many people from credit card scammers by shutting down any websites that are suspicious online. Bank accounts, including MasterCard, have passwords and protection on credit cards and bank accounts for their customers. My father has a MasterCard and when he purchases an item with his card, MasterCard calls his number to verify the transaction was made by him.

Identity theft is more than scamming credit cards and stealing other people’s information; it could also be changing someone’s personal information and who they identify to be. Many people have discriminative opinions on beauty pageants, stating women are judged based on their looks, actions, and clothing choices. Negative stereotypes of pageants have been around for years, many believe that these women competing are only beautiful and not academically inclined; however, I disagree. The identity of a modern pageant woman is stereotyped to be a beautiful face under a sparkling crown; however, that is just a skin-deep impression. Most pageant women use the connections brought from the crown to initiate change in the outside world. I would know this since I am a pageant girl myself.

I started competing in pageants from the age of six to the age of eighteen. I grew up in the spotlight on stage and amongst my peers. Since the age of six, I was stereotyped to be the girl who dressed up to only win pageants because I was “pretty” and nothing more. For the longest time, I gave into the discriminatory opinion that there was nothing more to me than a pretty dress and a sparkling crown. Most people do not view the stereotype as a negative issue, but pageant women do. Most people do not know the layers of the pageant system: community service, scholarship, style, and success.

I was involved with the Miss America Organization for twelve years, which is based on the layers I mentioned before. Most girls including myself, competed in pageants to earn scholarships for future education. I knew I wanted to major in business and someday become a CEO. Pageants gave me confidence in myself and taught me how to use the sparkling crown as a microphone to speak up for what I believe in and what I choose to become with the standing foundation of pageantry throughout the years. Pageants also taught me how to become a role model for other girls and how to carry myself with style and class. While wearing the sparkling crown, I used it with grace by helping others, including my little brother, who is visually impaired. I raised money and collected eyeglasses for the visually impaired living in developing countries. I collected over 400 pairs of eyeglasses throughout my years of pageantry. Throughout the years of scholarship, style, and service I became successful. By the age of nineteen, I created my platform, called “C.O.L.E- Collecting Opportunities for the Lions Club Eyeglasses,” and won a scholarship for my future education. I learned how to speak for what I believe gracefully.

There is much more to me than a sparkling crown and a pretty gown. Pageant women are hard-working, determined, graceful, and ready to make a change. Pageant women are only evolving as we speak and I am grateful to be a part of the change. Pageant women must remember our worth is not revealed by other’s judgments, but we must remember we are defined by our character. The stereotypes that many pageant women and I are identified by are not nearly who we are. For many years, I allowed stereotypes to get the best of me until I realized my worth.