Types of Identity Theft - Variations on a Theme

Generally, identity theft is defined as the unauthorized use of the personal information of an individual for the (usually financial) benefit of another; however, within this broad definition there exist many different types of identity theft.

The most prevalent type of identity theft nowadays is what's usually referred to as financial identity theft. This type of identity theft involves the surreptuous use of an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN) or other personal information in order to obtain services, loans, or to purchase products. Most of the time, the victims don't even become aware of the situation until they receive their billing statements.

Another type of identity theft is when an individual actually assumes the other person’s identity, which is usually referred to as identity cloning. People who are illegally entering a country or who need to escape from a checkered past are prone to engage in this form of identity theft.

Then we have business or commercial identity theft, where the instigators set up accounts in the name of another company or organization. In this type of identity theft, they then use these commercial accounts to charge their expenses.

If someone who is charged with a criminal offense furnishes the personal identification of another individual, rather than his own, to law enforcement authorities, it's a type of identity theft known as criminal identity theft. This can result in the hapless victim being notified to appear in court for a crime he or she had absolutely no knowledge of.

To avoid being victimized by any of these types of identity theft, individuals need to be wary when providing their personal information, both in person and online. Also, always remember to thoroughly dispose of any documents containing sensitive personal information - get yourself a good shredder and use it.

Also, anyone concerned about these types of identity theft may consider applying for identity theft insurance. Those already victimized are urged to immediately report the crime to any and all concerned organizations.

Identity Theft eBooks

Don't Become An Identity Theft Victim!
Discover nine identity theft dangers you need to know to keep from becoming a victim...

Learn how the professionals manage security threats like identity theft for large organizations and how you can easily duplicate this system to have peace of mind and protection.

Identity Theft Articles

Identity Theft - Awareness, Prevention, Recovery

Identity theft is rapidly becoming the most popular crime of the new millennium. In an age where most of our daily transactions are conducted electronically, criminals are finding more and more ways of infiltrating computer systems once thought to be impervious. What's especially frightening is that they require only a single successful attempt in order to steal everything ... Continue Reading...

Identity Theft Article - A Phisher Is Trying To Steal Your Identity!

Sooner or later everyone with an email account will receive a phishing attempt from some internet scammer. What is phishing? How can you protect yourself? These are some of the questions this identity theft article will provide, along with some free resources and practical advice on how to protect your online identity. The Anti-Phishing Working Group estim... Continue Reading...

7 Tools to Prevent Identity Theft Fraud

Identity theft fraud in America has reached epidemic proportions having surpassed 27 million cases and increasing every year. The banks are taking identity theft fraud very seriously and have taken substantial measures to protect your identity and your accounts against scammers. They have implemented a password protection for online ... Continue Reading...


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Types of Identity Theft - Variations on a Theme Generally, identity theft is defined as the unauthorized use of the personal information of an individual for the (usually financial) benefit of another; however, within this broad definition there exist many different types of identity theft. The most prevalent type of identity theft nowadays is what's usually referred to as financial identity theft. This type of identity theft involves the surreptuous use of an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN) or other personal information in order to obtain services, loans, or to purchase products. Most of the time, the victims don't even become aware of the situation until they receive their billing statements. Another type of identity theft is when an individual actually assumes the other person’s identity, which is usually referred to as identity cloning. People who are illegally entering a country or who need to escape from a checkered past are prone to engage in this form of identity theft. Then we have business or commercial identity theft, where the instigators set up accounts in the name of another company or organization. In this type of identity theft, they then use these commercial accounts to charge their expenses. If someone who is charged with a criminal offense furnishes the personal identification of another individual, rather than his own, to law enforcement authorities, it's a type of identity theft known as criminal identity theft. This can result in the hapless victim being notified to appear in court for a crime he or she had absolutely no knowledge of. To avoid being victimized by any of these types of identity theft, individuals need to be wary when providing their personal information, both in person and online. Also, always remember to thoroughly dispose of any documents containing sensitive personal information - get yourself a good shredder and use it. Also, anyone concerned about these types of identity theft may consider applying for identity theft insurance. Those already victimized are urged to immediately report the crime to any and all concerned organizations.		Types of Identity Theft - Variations on a Theme Simple Steps to Prevent Identity Theft Citibank Identity Theft - No Joking Matter Identity Theft Cases - How to Report Them Identity Theft Protection - From Who? Victims of Identity Theft - What to do First Identity Theft Tips You Can Use Identity Theft Comes in Different Forms Now we Need Identity Theft Insurance? Reporting Identity Theft - Why Does it Matter?

Identity Theft eBooks Don't Become An Identity Theft Victim! Discover nine identity theft dangers you need to know to keep from becoming a victim... Learn how the professionals manage security threats like identity theft for large organizations and how you can easily duplicate this system to have peace of mind and protection.

Identity Theft Articles Identity Theft - Awareness, Prevention, Recovery Identity theft is rapidly becoming the most popular crime of the new millennium. In an age where most of our daily transactions are conducted electronically, criminals are finding more and more ways of infiltrating computer systems once thought to be impervious. What's especially frightening is that they require only a single successful attempt in order to steal everything ... Continue Reading... Identity Theft Article - A Phisher Is Trying To Steal Your Identity! Sooner or later everyone with an email account will receive a phishing attempt from some internet scammer. What is phishing? How can you protect yourself? These are some of the questions this identity theft article will provide, along with some free resources and practical advice on how to protect your online identity. The Anti-Phishing Working Group estim... Continue Reading... 7 Tools to Prevent Identity Theft Fraud Identity theft fraud in America has reached epidemic proportions having surpassed 27 million cases and increasing every year. The banks are taking identity theft fraud very seriously and have taken substantial measures to protect your identity and your accounts against scammers. They have implemented a password protection for online ... Continue Reading...
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