Knowing the Enemy: Types of Identity Theft
After a week of going on vacation with your family, you could suddenly come home to a credit card bill filled with expenses made in your name that you were never even aware of. This could possibly be a common case of one of the types of identity theft.
As a general definition, identity theft would involve the unwarranted use of the key personal information of another individual or organization for the benefit of another; however there are many types of identity theft.
To be able to chart out a proper course of action for the prevention or management of this sort of problem, people should be first made aware of the types of identity theft which are in existence.
One type of identity theft is called Financial Identity Theft. This type is probably the most prevalent and would usually involve an individual's Social Security Number (SSN) or other personal information which can be used to obtain services and loans, as well as purchase products. Most of the time, the victims of this sort of crime would just become aware of the situation when their credit card bill or other forms of notification arrive.
On the other hand, another individual may not only make use of another person's information but also end up assuming that other person's identity. This is called Identity Cloning. People who are migrating illegally into the country or those who need to escape from a troublesome past may resort to this form of identity theft.
Criminal Identity Theft occurs when the perpetrator of a crime or felony would furnish the personal information of another individual instead of his or her own. This would result to the hapless victim being notified to appear in court for a crime he or she had never committed.
Those who are behind Business or Commercial Identity Theft would set up accounts in the name of another company or organization. They would then charge several expenses into these accounts "in the name of the business".
To prevent becoming a victim of these types of identity theft, individuals must be wary when providing information especially over the Internet. Aside from this, the disposal of documents containing personal information must be accomplished meticulously so that the information would not be acquired by other individuals.
Also, victims of these types of identity theft may consider applying for identity theft insurance and immediately reporting the incident to concerned organizations.
As a general definition, identity theft would involve the unwarranted use of the key personal information of another individual or organization for the benefit of another; however there are many types of identity theft.
To be able to chart out a proper course of action for the prevention or management of this sort of problem, people should be first made aware of the types of identity theft which are in existence.
One type of identity theft is called Financial Identity Theft. This type is probably the most prevalent and would usually involve an individual's Social Security Number (SSN) or other personal information which can be used to obtain services and loans, as well as purchase products. Most of the time, the victims of this sort of crime would just become aware of the situation when their credit card bill or other forms of notification arrive.
On the other hand, another individual may not only make use of another person's information but also end up assuming that other person's identity. This is called Identity Cloning. People who are migrating illegally into the country or those who need to escape from a troublesome past may resort to this form of identity theft.
Criminal Identity Theft occurs when the perpetrator of a crime or felony would furnish the personal information of another individual instead of his or her own. This would result to the hapless victim being notified to appear in court for a crime he or she had never committed.
Those who are behind Business or Commercial Identity Theft would set up accounts in the name of another company or organization. They would then charge several expenses into these accounts "in the name of the business".
To prevent becoming a victim of these types of identity theft, individuals must be wary when providing information especially over the Internet. Aside from this, the disposal of documents containing personal information must be accomplished meticulously so that the information would not be acquired by other individuals.
Also, victims of these types of identity theft may consider applying for identity theft insurance and immediately reporting the incident to concerned organizations.
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Saving the Situation:
Reporting Identity Theft
Although not all people have suffered from identity theft, the threat of becoming the next victim is as real for anyone of us - whether we are a past victim or not. With the advent of information technology, the ability of identity thieves to obtain the personal information we send over the Internet has increased dramatically. If ever you have become a victim or know someone else who has been in the same situation, the best decision you could ever make would be reporting identity theft to the proper authorities.Reporting identity theft really isn't as difficult as it seems. The first step is to be aware of the potential of identity theft happening to you. The loss of particular items or documents can place you at high risk.
If you've lost your credit card, you should promptly report it to the bank to stop anyone from charging any expenses in your name.
If you've managed to lose documents which bear your Social Security number, you can call the concerned authorities so that your account can be placed on an initial fraud alert, which can last up to 90 days. This would prevent people from using your Social Security number for their personal gain.
The loss of any other documents which bear your personal information should also be reported to the issuing agency or organization. These can include items such as your driver's license or company personal identification card. Particular guidelines may vary from one organization to the other, but reporting the loss is immensely important.
Most of the time, we are made aware of the identity theft, when the use of your identity has already transpired, such as the illegal use of your credit card account. Aside from sorting out the problem with the involved companies, reporting identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission would also be a wise decision. They help in documenting identity theft cases which can aid in future legislation as well as to inform other people. Some websites over the Internet are also dedicated to the identity theft problem. This is why identity theft reporting is so important.
In the end, by reporting identity theft we are properly exercising our responsibility as citizens and hopefully aiding the effort towards the minimization, if not total eradication of identity theft cases.
A Little Privacy, Please!
The time to start fighting medical ID theft is before it happens.
To help keep health care leeches off your tail:1- Avoid giving out key information, like your SSN, date of birth, or mother's maiden name and never provide then to anyone who calls you first. Most companies don't need this info, and many will accept substitutes.
2- Never leave bills or letters that have your SSN, insurance numbers. or bank account numbers sitting in your mailbox or your trash. When in doubt, shred.
3- Request a summarv of be benefits from vour insurance company at least once a year, and monitor the statement closely. Look for anything suspicious, such as a mole you never had removed or prescriptions you never filled
4- Request a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus (Equifax, Transunion, and Experian) at least twice a year. You can get one free copy each.vear; the other one vou'll have to pay for.
5- Guard your health insurance card like a credit card with a million-dollar limit..because ultimately, that's what it is. Bring your card along only when your doctor's office requests it; don't stash it in your wallet or in your car.Identity theft fraud can be avoided if you are vigilant.
Prevent ID Theft
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ID Theft News
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ID Theft Resources
- Identity Theft Help
- Identity theft is a constant threat for almost everyone. You should do everything you can to protect yourself.
- Identity Theft - Could It Happen To You?
- Take care to protect your personal information from would be identity thieves.
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