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.

1. 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.


2. 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.
   


3. 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.
   

Unfortunately, most types of identity theft are difficult to prevent, and many victims don't realize anything is wrong until a criminal has already unraveled much of their lives. Closely guarding your identity information and regularly checking your personal records for signs of unusual activity will help protect you from the nightmarish effects of identity theft. Though you may never be able to prevent it entirely, remaining vigilant will help you detect ID theft early, before it ruins your life.

With scrap metal prices going the same direction as the price of gas at the pump it's no wonder that thefts of metal have been trending up as well. Recently a disturbing trend has shown up in cities across the U.S. where manhole covers are being stolen and sold for scrap! This rash of heavy metal thefts has led some cities to begin welding the covers in place, which has unfortunately prevented the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from getting their fill of delicious pizza!

On a more serious note, the theft of manhole covers is not just only an expensive pain for cities to deal with -- replacement costs range from $200 to $500 -- but also a danger for pedestrians. In Philadelphia, where 600 covers went missing last year, two children have already fallen into the uncovered manholes. Thankfully they only suffered minor injuries. The missing covers have also done damage to many cars whose owners are asking the city to cover the damages.

With all of the problems these thefts create, and the fact that it takes quite a bit of work to replace a 200-pound manhole cover, you'd be surprised to learn that the manhole bandits only receive $10 to $15 per cover. Some of the blame for these rash of thefts lays with unscrupulous scrap metal buyers who don't understand that manhole covers emblazoned with "Property of NYC" mean exactly that!

Even if we take into account the diminished ethical capacities of someone who would steal a manhole cover weighing more than most men, the return on investment is horrible! Assuming the thieves drive to the manhole and then again to a scrap metal location, they'll easily use a gallon of gas, leaving a net profit of $6 to $11. Unless the thief is a body builder the final take will need to be split in half which leaves barely enough to order off the value menu at Taco Bell; let alone enough to buy a significant amount of drugs. With meth's prices starting at $20 for a 1/4 of gram, a team would need to steal four manholes to make a buy, and causing between $800 and $2000 in labor and materials for cities, not to mention any children or vehicles damaged due to the theft.