Types of Identity Theft

Answer 1

In recent years, identity theft has become a major issue. Each year, the identities of thousands of people across the country are stolen by criminals. Identity theft is often difficult to thwart and can have a long lasting impact on your life. If someone has stolen your identity, it can have several profound consequences on your life. You may find that your credit rating has been destroyed, your identity has been assumed, or even worse that someone is perpetrating crimes in your name. Repairing the damage caused by identity theft can take years. Below are some of the most common types of identity theft.

Credit Identity Theft

In this kind of identity theft, someone uses your personal information like a social security number to apply for credit cards, loans, or other financial obligations. You may begin to notice this kind of theft when you start getting mysterious bills in the mail for services and things that you have not purchased. You may also start to get calls from bill collectors asking for payment. If this happens to you and you know that you did not make the purchases or solicit the services, there is a good chance that someone has stolen your credit identity. You must work to clear your name immediately because credit identity theft can ruin your credit very quickly, making it hard for you to get credit cards and loans.

Driver’s License Theft

If someone steals your driver’s license, they can use it as their own identity. If they get stopped for a traffic violation or commit a crime while driving and are summoned to court but never show up, the judge can and will issue an arrest warrant for you since the documentation on the ticket has your information on it. You can also have you driver’s license suspended and lose your insurance because of the theft if the thief drivers recklessly using your license.

Character Theft

In this type of identity theft, someone pretends to be you by using your name. If they commit any criminal offenses, warrants can be issued in your name even though you are innocent and have nothing to do with the crime.

Social Security Number Theft

Your social security number can be used for a number of things by criminals. They can apply for credit in your name, seek employment using your name, and more. Not only can a person ruin your credit, but they can also cause the IRS to come after you if they work using your name and have not paid income taxes.

Medical Theft

Criminals can also steal your medical identity to take advantage of your insurance policy or to obtain prescription drugs in your name. If you do not catch this theft soon, your medical insurance may be canceled due to the thief making filing claims.