Exactly What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a non-violent crime committed against any person. 

The form of identity theft people are most aware of are those that fraudulently uses a person’s identity to gain access to current financial account funds. This can also cover improper identity use to open a new credit or loan account. There are many other forms of identity theft in existence and each is a crime committed by one person against the good name of the victim.

Employment records, college degrees and business licenses are also targeted. 

Persons desiring to open different types of businesses or qualify for high paying jobs have been known to steal another person’s professional identity in order to be able to accomplish these feats. Becoming accredited may not be financially possible for many people and so your life’s toil and work can offer them this opportunity.

Medical records can be used as a form of identity theft. 

Perhaps the identity thief in this case has a need for a certain kind of medication and your medical records can provide them access to it. Identity theft can also be a means of obtaining health insurance that could not be gained under the person’s own identity. Protect your health insurance number as closely as your social security number. Overuse or abuse of insurance can lead to your policy being canceled.

Driver’s license numbers are very attractive to a person who no longer has one. 

Maybe they have lost their license permanently due to a criminal or bad driving record. Maybe they just need a fresh start on life and by adopting your identity through your license the possibility exists for them.

You social security number could open access to government assistance. 

By applying for welfare or other forms of social assistance the identity thief can develop a way of getting food and some of the bills covered under assistance while maintaining a steady job in their real name. This type of identity theft can lead to criminal charges being brought against the victim by the government agency that has been defrauded, leaving the thief to continue on with his life without interruption or legal problems.

Imagine having your social security number linked to two different identities. 

This happens more often with businesses than with individuals, but it is still a possibility. Here the identity thief is still carrying on under his own identity but protecting against judgments or paying by using a fake social security number.

Telephone, cell phone, utility accounts and cable TV or Internet services. 

These are also ways identity theft can victimize people. When the thief opens accounts for these kinds of necessary services in another person’s name. Of course they do not pay the bill, which leaves the victim of identity theft holding the bag.

Identity theft can actually cause your real estate to be transferred out of your name. 

This identity crime aims at people having financial problems. By offering to help you with mortgage payments, remodify a note or even sell the property to a broker before you loose it; an identity thief can rob you blind. You can also find out that they filed bankruptcy for you. This method leaves everyone empty handed, including the mortgage company. Once the property is legally transferred, all previous interests in the parcel have any further recourse.