What is Identity Theft?
September 4th, 2009
Identity Theft? You have probably heard about it on television. You have probably heard of identity theft through your credit card company. Maybe you heard about it through your bank. Whatever the way, identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America and it does not look like it is slowing down.
Main Definition of Identity Theft: When someone steals your identity and pretends to be you. That’s it.
Okay. Turn out the lights. Let’s go home.
No. Seriously. There are 5 different types of identity theft. You have character, social security, medical, driver’s license, and credit.
1. Character Identity Theft
This is when someone commits a crime in your name and they get arrested or spend time in jail.
Example: Dana’s sister has been impersonating her while commiting crimes. Dana hires an attorney, but unfortunately a crime cannot come off your record once it has been put on.
2. Social Security Identity Theft
Someone steals your SSN and they get hired to work for an employer. You would still have to pay taxes on those earnings. You will also risk losing SSN benefits as well.
3. Medical Identity Theft
This can be the most lethal of all. Someone steals your insurance information and they obtain medical care or presciptions. This can go on your record. If you are allergic to penicillin, but your record says that you just had some, that could turn out to be deadly.
4. Driver’s License Identity Theft
A thief steals your info and commits a traffic violation. When the thief fails to appear in court, a warrant is issued against you.
5. Credit Identity Theft
A thief uses your name to obtain credit or a loan. They don’t pay back the loan and your name goes to the collections department. NOt a good thing if you are looking to buy a house.
See. Pretty simple huh?