Think Identity Theft is limited
to someone using your Credit Card?
Take a closer look. . .
Six Types of Identity Theft
1. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
An identity thief could obtain your driver’s license and accumulate traffic tickets in your name. They could get a DUI with your identity and not show up in court leaving you guilty and liable.
2. SOCIAL SECURITY
An identity thief could use your Social Security Number for employment purposes and you wouldn’t know it until the IRS contacts you for their unpaid taxes. There are 11 million illegal aliens in the US today. They can buy names and SSN’s. A thief can open a credit account or utilities, purchase a home, or start a business with your SSN without your knowledge or approval.
3. MEDICAL INFORMATION BUREAU
This area of ID Theft is growing rapidly as more people are losing or are unable to afford health insurance. An identity thief could use your personal information to obtain prescriptions or medical help which may reduce your available benefits. A thief could get an AIDS test and the results would go on your record. Your blood type could be changed without your knowledge, which could be life threatening in an emergency.
4. CRIMINAL IDENTITY THEFT
An identity thief could use your information to escape fines or jail time. You could find that you have a criminal record for bad checks, shoplifting, pornography or prostitution which could lead to time in jail or wrongful conviction.
5. FINANCIAL IDENTITY THEFT
An identity thief could use your information to obtain money, goods or services leaving you with the bill. They could use your Debit Card and access your bank account, purchase a cell phone or lease a car in your name and not make payments, therefore, ruining your good name and credit.
6. SYNTHETIC IDENTITY THEFT
An identity thief uses a social security number, medical records, motor vehicle records, address, and other non-public information of different people to create a synthetic identity, which in turn can adversely affect all parties being victimized.
“Identity theft is an undesirable situation in which you can become both a victim and a criminal at the same time without even being aware of it.”
