Identity theft is at an all-time high due to the emergence of new identity theft methods spanning from traditional ones to more complex/modern ones. Some of these methods entail use of technologies such as AI to scrape data. If you have been a victim of identity theft, you will need to consult an identity theft victim lawyer to help you file your case in a court of law.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is a crime whereby someone uses your personal or financial information to commit fraud such as making unauthorized transactions or purchasing things without your consent. This type of crime may leave you with major damages in your reputation, finances and credit. According to reports by the National Council on Identity Theft Protection, identity theft cases occur so often that there is a new victim every 22 seconds. This makes it a big threat in an era where individuals are inclined to using the internet for day-to-day activities such as making purchases and transactions.
Types of Identity Theft
There are different types of identity theft which include:
- Financial identity theft
- Medical identity theft
- Child identity theft
- Criminal identity theft
- SSN identity theftÂ
1. Financial Identity Theft
Financial identity theft is the most common type of identity theft. This form of identity theft occurs when an unauthorized person gains access to your financial information and uses it to make purchases, transactions or even get credit without your consent. In an attempt to steal your financial data, identity thieves may send you emails or make phone calls to you pretending to be your bank. You need to be very keen about clicking such emails prompting you to login into your bank or sharing your PIN numbers with anyone.
2. Medical Identity Theft
Another common type of identity theft is medical identity theft. In this form of identity theft, criminals may use your data to access medical services on your name, illegally purchase medical prescriptions or use your health insurance benefits. Not only is this financial draining but also may result in incorrect medical records that can lead to misdiagnosis in the future. Always review your medical records to avoid this from happening.
3. Child Identity Theft
Child identity theft is the use of a child to obtain various personal gains. This involves activities such as opening bank accounts under the child’s name and using their social security number to perform financial fraud.
Normally, this might affect your child’s credit scores in the future, as their financial data will be compromised. You also need to keep a close eye on your child’s financial records to avoid child identity theft.
4. Criminal Identity Theft
The consequences of criminal identity theft can be very devastating. For instance, imagine losing your driving license only to be arrested hours later with charges of committing a crime like murder because your license was found at the crime scene. To avoid such, you need to safeguard your personal data, whether online or physically, as criminal identity theft can cause unrecoverable damages.
5. SSN Identity Theft
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is of great importance. Simply put, you cannot do anything financial-related without this number. Hence, facing off SSN identity theft can be very tormenting. Scammers may use your SSN to commit fraud, such as applying for government loans, tax refunds, and other forms of crimes that can tamper with your credit scores and cause big legal issues. Make sure to hide your SSN from anyone, including family and friends!
Tips to Curb Identity Theft
Being a victim of identity theft not only causes financial, medical, and credit issues. It can also cause mental health issues, such as depression. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, follow the below tips:
- Keep your financial details, such as the PIN for your bank account, to yourself.
- Avoid visiting websites that can compromise the security of your network.
- Keep a close eye on your medical and financial records for easier identification of identity theft.
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