Summary Listen to the passage. For questions 26—30, complete the notes using no more than three words for each blank. Identity t

Summary
Listen to the passage. For questions 26—30, complete the notes using no more than three words for each blank.
   Identity theft refers to crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data, such as name, date of birth, or driver’s license number, as well as credit card, bank account and phone numbers. It involves deception, typically with the purpose of making money. Identity thieves use a variety of means to gain access to others’ personal information and steal their identity.
   In recent years, the Internet has become an appealing place for criminals to obtain identifying data, such as passwords or even banking information. In their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to spam mail that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping his promise.
   Another form of identity theft on the Internet is what we call phishing. Thieves send out thousands of emails, pretending to be a bank or Internet service provider like Microsoft. In the emails, the thieves ask you for information to update their files. Others send emails offering you free gifts for filling out a survey, which includes your personal data.
   You should never provide your personal information in response to a request you did not ask for over the Internet. Emails and Internet pages created by phishers may look exactly like the real thing. They may even have a fake icon that ordinarily is used to prove it is a secure site. It is always safe to go to the company’s website by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously bookmarked, instead of a link provided in the email.
   Another way of being safe from identity theft is to install safety programmes and keep your antivirus software up-to-date. You should report any violations to the police immediately after they are detected.