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.

By: KayLynn P.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Unveiling the Quirks and Curiosities of Geography: A Journey Through the Unconventional Landscape of the United States

From Detroit’s Northern Prominence to South America’s Surprising Proximity: Unveiling the Unconventional Geographic Facts of the United States

Safeguarding Your Business with Income Interruption Insurance

Business Interruption Insurance: A Shield Against Financial Disasters

A Gift That Keeps on Giving: The Enduring Benefits of Child Life Insurance

Child Life Insurance: A Timeless Gift of Love, Protection, and Financial Security

Demystifying No-Fault Insurance

Unraveling the No-Fault Insurance Enigma: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Auto Insurance Landscape

Navigating the Deductible Dilemma Maze

Insurance Deductibles: A Delicate Dance Between Financial Security and Premium Savings

Evolving Entertainment: A Journey Through the History of In-Car Entertainment

In-Car Entertainment: A Chronicle of Technological Advancements and Changing Driving Experiences

Debunking Insurance Myths: Unveiling the Realities Behind the Industry

Insurance Unveiled: Separating Fact from Fiction in the World of Protection

From First Crash to Compulsory Coverage: A Journey Through the History of Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance: A Tale of Accidents, Legislation, and Financial Protection

Insuring the Unexpected: A Glimpse into the World of Bizarre Insurance Policies

From Million-Dollar Legs to Kidnap Insurance: Unveiling the Quirky World of Unusual Policies

Navigating the Maze of Auto Insurance: Understanding the Coverage You Need

Auto Insurance Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Car