Identity Theft

Technology has advanced at lightning speed in recent years and it has come at a price in the form of identity theft. Identity theft can take on many forms and it is easier than ever to become a victim. There are many different types and levels of identity theft making the average person a target for criminals. Learning the different types of identity theft and how to protect yourself is an important step towards securing your life. Everyday people lock the doors to their homes as they leave for the day in an effort to protect against theft, in the same way you need to lock your identity to secure it against identity theft.

Identity theft may involve all aspects of personal credit and is difficult to fix. Often the victim has no idea anything has occurred until it is too late. Possibly while shopping the victim may attempt to pay with a credit card only to find it has become over the limit and is therefore declined. This is an occurrence that may not raise an alert until the victim tries to pay for the purchase with another credit card only to be told that card is also declined. It is often at that point the victim becomes suspicious and returns home calling the credit card bank and learning for the first time they may have become a victim of identity theft. Upon checking all bank accounts the victim may start to feel angry and scared as they find more and more of their hard earned funds and credit is now gone. It is often at this point the victim may call the police.

There are many aspects of identity theft causing a sense of anger, resentment, fear, and hopelessness among the victims. Some key points of identity theft are:

> Finding all or most credit cards in victim’s name have been used or changed.

> Personal banking accounts such as checking and savings have been used.

> Victim’s social security number has been breached and used.

> New checking accounts may have been started using victim’s name and or information.

> New identification paperwork such as drivers license, social security card and birth certificate have recently been reissued or renewed.

> Personal loans may have been recently opened using the victim’s information even though the victim has not authorized any.

> Vehicles may have been purchased in the victim’s name.

> Homes are occasionally purchased using the victims name and/or information.

> Pulling a personal credit report on the victim may show new accounts, breached contracts, and much recent activity.

> Bankruptcies may have been filed recently or attempted in the victim’s name and personal information.

Often the victim may find numerous ways their life will be affected by this breach. Police may investigate but have been very limited in capabilities to pursue suspects. Identity theft can be difficult to prove and the victim may spend years trying to undo the damage caused. Closing all accounts and flagging personal credit accounts may help stop further access by criminals but also will make it difficult for victim to prove identity in the future. Knowing the different aspects of identity theft is the first step in securing your own identity against theft.