What is Identity Theft?
What is Identity Theft?
Who are you? What aspects of yourself do you identify with? Your morals and values, your interests, the way you grew up? These things make you who you are. However, though these aspects are important to you, a criminal does not care about how good of a person you are. A criminal just wants your identity as it is on your official documents. Once a criminal gets ahold of your identity, all you’ll have is your dignity. Soon to be lost, your good name.
What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when a criminal gains access to your personal information and will use it to commit a crime or fraud in your name. There are numerous types of identity theft, such as mail identity theft, credit card fraud, even online shopping fraud. There are up to 20 different types of identity theft.
What kind of personal information do thieves look for? Exposing any of the following information in the wrong place can leave you at risk for identity theft:
- Name
- Address (Both physical and e-mail)
- Telephone number
- Drivers license/passport number
- Online passwords
- Any banking information (card number, account number, pin code)
- Date of birth
- Social Security
How do thieves gain access to my information? Thieves can access your information in many ways, such as a corporate data breach, stealing your mail, a “phishing” scam, unsecured websites, debit/credit card skimmers, stealing your mail, wallet, or purse, even “dumpster diving” through discarded mail, and more.
How will thieves use my information? Experian Information Services lists a few ways thieves could use information.
- Make purchases using financial information
- To sell to other criminals on the dark web to commit fraud
- Open a credit card account to commit fraud
- File taxes in your name/steal your tax return
- Buy a home in your name
- There are other possible ways for a thief to use personal information
How will I know if my identity has been stolen? Here are just a few signs to watch out for: receiving tax information you didn’t request, unauthorized transactions on your bank account, receiving a bill for a purchase you didn’t make, being denied credit. Watch out for any other confusing occurrence as well.
Now that you know more about identity theft, come back tomorrow to read more about protecting your identity.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Property Security and Weatherproofing
Ensure complete residential resilience by clearing perimeter debris, inspecting weather seals, and verifying appropriate insurance coverage limits as September progresses.
Cultivating Autumn Wellness and Daily Routines
Discover how to establish balanced autumn routines, maintain nutritional vitality with protein-forward habits, and enjoy the refreshing energy of mid-September.
Mid-Quarter Risk Management and Operational Resilience
Business leaders can ensure fourth-quarter stability by conducting mid-September audits of commercial property, liability, and business interruption policies.
Mid-Year Financial Reviews and Family Security
Utilize the steady pace of mid-September to evaluate your life insurance coverage, assess income replacement needs, and safeguard your household’s financial future.
Managing Mid-September Traffic Density and Vehicle Readiness
Navigate increased September traffic and shifting roadway conditions by optimizing your auto insurance policy and ensuring peak mechanical vehicle readiness.
Post-Labor Day Property Maintenance and Autumn Preparation
Transition your property protection into mid-September by addressing post-summer wear, clearing drainage systems, and verifying adequate replacement cost coverage.
Embracing National Preparedness and Lifestyle Resilience in September
This article explores how to build personal and household resilience through National Preparedness Month strategies and nutritional grounding as summer transitions to fall.
Safeguarding Commercial Continuity as Autumn Begins
Business owners can ensure seamless fourth-quarter preparations by auditing workers’ compensation, property policies, and liability frameworks as September begins.
Honoring Labor Day Through Long-Term Family Protection
Discover how life insurance acts as the ultimate guarantor of your daily labor, providing essential financial continuity, debt neutralization, and protection for loved ones as autumn approaches.
Fortifying Your Dwelling for the Autumn Transition
This guide explores how homeowners can protect their properties against seasonal risks through proactive gutter maintenance, roof inspections, and updated replacement cost coverage as the calendar shifts to September.