What is id theft?

What is identity theft?

Identity Theft has topped the list of consumer complaints to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for 13 consecutive years!

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There are more than 49 types of Identity Theft! Less than 25% are financial related issues!

Financial Identity Theft

Victims of Financial Identity Theft are people who have had:

  • Bank accounts wiped out
  • Credit histories ruined
  • Hot checks written

Less than 25% falls under this type

Social Security Identity Theft

Social security numbers can sell for hundreds of dollars and sold multiple times. It can be used for the following:

  • Gain employment
  • Filing false tax returns
  • Accessing an individual’s government benefits
  • Report income, leaving you with the tax bill
Medical Identity Theft

Medical Identity Theft occurs when criminals obtain your:

  • Health insurance card
  • Social security number
  • Drivers license

Thieves use this information to obtain healthcare or file fraudulent claims against your benefits, which may even alter your medical file.

Character / Criminal Identity Theft

Criminal Identity Theft occurs when a thief:

  • Poses as you during an arrest
  • Logs in online as you to “certain” websites
  • Commits a crime using your info
  • Plots a terrorist act (911 attacks)
  • Commits fraud

In many cases, leaving you to prove your innocence.

Driver’s License Identity Theft

Thieves target a business handling driver’s licenses to sell or use for the following:

  • Receiving traffic tickets
  • DWI, DUI, or other driving related charges
  • Open bank accounts or write checks
  • The victim can then be arrested during a routine traffic stop or warrant round up
Synthetic Identity Theft

Thieves piece together several individuals’ information together to create a 3rd and fraudulent identity:

  • For employment purposes
  • To obtain licenses
  • Utility or cellular accounts
  • Many children fall victim to this type of fraud
Child Identity Theft

Thieves are aware that most children do not access, use, or check their personal information until after they turn 18. This allows thieves to use your child’s information for years without detection for such things as:

  • Cell phones
  • Car loans
  • Mortgages, bank loans
  • Utility accounts (cable, electric)