Part I of III

What do you think of when someone mentions identity theft? Most of us only think of credit card theft but did you know there are five types of ID theft? Knowing what those are is the first step in preventing anything from happening to your personal information.

Five Types of ID theft:

Credit Card – Credit card theft can happen anytime your card is out of your sight or when used on an unlock or unsafe Internet site. Never leave your credit card unattended and always use a Web site you trust to purchase items with your card.

Driver’s License – Thieves steal driver’s license information then commit driving violations in your name. By the time you find out, the cop is pulling you over and arresting you for a warrant in your name that was committed by someone else. Be careful with leaving your driver’s license information unattended.

Social Security Number – Most people don’t realize that they leave their social security number unattended on many papers. In the past, when it wasn’t dangerous to ask for your social security number, most forms did ask, but now-a-days you should leave that blank unless the company gives you a good reason why the number is needed. A good example is medical forms. If they already asked for your medical insurance information then they don’t need your social too.

Criminal Identity – Some thieves will steal your identity and commit crimes under your name. Again you will most likely not know until you find yourself being detained for a something you didn’t do. It boils down to being aware and protecting your personal information.

Medical Identity – This is quite possibly the most dangerous of all five offenses. Thieves will steal your identity to then get tests or procedures done in your name, so in your medical files it could show you are HIV positive or have had your appendix removed and neither could be correct. Incorrect information in your medial file can be dangerous in case you have an emergency.

Make sure to check back next week for my Part II of this ID theft blog to learn how to prevent your identity from being stolen.