5 Types of Identity Theft

Although financial identity theft is the most common type of ID theft that occurs, most people do not realize that there are five areas in which identity theft flourishes:

• Driver’s License and Identification
• Social Security
• Criminal
• Medical
• Financial

Driver’s License and identification card identity theft is the use of another person’s identity, the submission of counterfeit identity documents, and all other activities intended to obtain a driver’s license or identification card by a person or for a person who is not eligible for issuance of such a document.

2. Social Security

The Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the main tools used to steal an identity. Identity thieves use the Social Security number as a key to access the financial benefits available to their victims and obtaining other identifying documents such as driver’s license, identification cards and passports.

3. Criminal

Criminal identity theft occurs when an imposter gives another person's name and personal information such as a drivers' license, date of birth, or Social Security number (SSN) to a law enforcement officer during an investigation or upon arrest. Or the imposter may present to law enforcement a counterfeit license containing another person's data.

4. Medical

Medical identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it to commit health care fraud. Medical ID thieves may use your identity to get treatment, even surgery, or to bilk insurers by making fake claims.

5. Financial

Financial identity theft is on the rise and is the most common type of identity theft. Financial identity theft of occurs when an individual uses another’s name, address, social security number or other identifying information to commit fraud for economic gain.

This information was obtained from the Federal Trade Commission.

For more information and further assistance please call Roy at (307) 399-5532, or send him an email to expert@royfenoff.com