Three more types of identity theft you should know about
Filed under: Identity Theft
When we think of ID theft, what usually comes to mind is some computer hacker gaining access to your credit card or bank account information online and then spending all your money. That's certainly something to look out for, but there are several other ways that creative crooks are stealing identities, and the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.- Medical Identity Theft: This is when someone, usually a medical insider, uses your information for the purpose of acquiring medical goods and services, like drugs or treatment, covered by your insurance. A social security number isn't necessary in this type of fraud -- you should protect your insurance number like you protect your social security information. You can also protect yourself by requesting a copy of your medical file each time you visit the doctor. Though it won't prevent the ID theft, it will make the recovery process easier for you if you have these records.
- Synthetic Identity Theft: Synthetic ID theft is when a fraudster creates a false identity using a real or realistic social security number. Businesses more than individuals tend to be the victims of this type of crime, but if someone is using your SSN to open accounts and rack up debt, that could potentially get into your credit history; though in most cases, the criminal is using your number but not your address or even name, so it should not affect your files. You may never realize if part of your identity is stolen this way, as the "person" whose credit is being ruined by this fraud doesn't actually exist. However, businesses can protect themselves from fraudulent customers by better authenticating someone's identity before extending credit.
- Criminal Identity Theft: When someone is busted for breaking the law and they provide false identity information, this is known as criminal identity theft. If they use your identity, you may find yourself arrested, fined, or denied employment because of something fishy in a background check. Following the same steps you would to protect your financial identity is helpful in preventing criminal identity theft. In addition to regularly checking your credit history, you can review your driving record for traffic violations you didn't commit.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-19-2008 @ 7:08PM
jeanpiehl said...
Soon there'll be identity theft variations for every kind of crime, including caffeinated and decaf ID theft. Would you like some splenda with your destroyed credit?
Perhaps this wouldn't be the fastest growing crime in the world if there were more incentive to just go and sign up for a protection service like trustedid or something. Maybe the next administration can offer us tax credits for acting safely?
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9-20-2008 @ 12:08AM
Keith said...
The use of SSN’s and other personal information being used by businesses as identifiers for their customers has decreased but is still far to common.
For example, medical practices (doctors, dentist, and optometrists) often use SSN’s to identify their patients.
The unfortunate reality is that most people are still willing to hand over their personal information to just about anyone who asks. No one seems to stop and thin “for what possible reason would my optometrist need my SSN?” or “why does Home Depot need my driver’s license number to make a return?”
More detailed information about different types or identity theft and personal information security is available at http://www.insideidtheft.info
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9-21-2008 @ 10:04AM
PunkieBee said...
I've recently begun doing geneaology...I was shocked to find that deceased individuals social security numbers are out there for the picking and don't tell me the 'crooks' (for lack of a better term) don't know that.
9-21-2008 @ 11:55AM
John Barksdale said...
Excellent article Meg.
As a victim of identity theft/financial fraud, I was infuriated to learn how poorly some businesses and lenders authenticated identities before extending credit.
I firmly believe that lenders and businesses should bear the burden of proving the victim stole the money or merchandise. The victims should not be left to clean up an identity thief's mess.
I've shared my personal identity theft experience at http://identitythefthurts.com
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9-22-2008 @ 1:47AM
Sheila L said...
Well unfortunately I see this stuff all the time I’m an Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist, so none of this stuff surprises me any more its just sad that the government sees no real rush on fixing it. Due to the fact they would be losing money (social security numbers that are being used) but there is only one product out there that can help you with Identity theft. You all should get the book The Silent Crime by Michael Mcoy and Steffen Schmidt
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9-29-2008 @ 12:06AM
Earl said...
I still see that not every area was covered. What about DMV Identity Theft? That is someone using your drivers license information on another license.
What about Social Security Identity Theft? I would not want to have someone else working under my social security number. There are all kinds of problems that come associated with this type.
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