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
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?
Neighborly Nightmare: Tree Trouble and Your Homeowner’s Insurance
From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads
A Look Back, and a Look Forward
Don’t Be a Sitting Duck: Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses
Don’t Leave Your Data Unlocked: Cybersecurity isn’t just about online threats.
Beyond “My Beloved Spouse”: A Guide to Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary
The Beneficiary Bunch: Understanding Your Options
Rental Car Roulette: Should You Spin the Wheel on Extra Insurance?
Should You Spin the Wheel on Extra Insurance?
Bundling Up Your Homeowners Insurance: A Money-Saving Masterclass (or Myth?)
So, Should You Bundle? The Million-Dollar Question…
Bringing Home Baby: A Guide to Navigating the Joyful Chaos
Beyond the Bump: Embracing the Joys and Challenges of First-Time Parenthood
See It All, Secure It All: The Hidden Benefits of Video Surveillance for Your Business
Beyond Security Cameras: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Video Surveillance for Businesses
Life on the Edge? How Your Hobbies Can Affect Your Life Insurance Rates
Beyond the Premium: Unveiling the Unexpected Links Between Hobbies and Life Insurance
The Costly Consequences of a DUI: Beyond the Backlash
Behind the Bars, Behind the Wheel: The Shocking Price Tag of a DUI