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submitted: May 8th 2008 | by: PaulWilcox | Total views: 3 | Word Count: 436 | |

The financial consequences of identity theft are well known. Credit card fraud, bad credit, bounced checks and unpaid debts run rampant due to people having their identity stolen. However, finance is not the only thing that can be harmed. Following is a list of the various types of identity theft.

What are the other types of identity theft?

Character identity theft is the first of the types of identity theft. When someones character is stolen, he or she is at risk of being charged with crimes never committed. This can lead to arrests and time spent in prison. Character identity theft usually occurs when a persons drivers license is stolen and the number used. In the eyes of the law, drivers license number is the second most important piece of identifying information apart from Social Security number. Character identity theft can also lead to inability to find work, due to negative results on background checks.

Social Security number theft is one of the most serious forms of identity theft. With a stolen Social Security number someone can access just about any other piece of private information. Almost all identity theft happens because the person's Social Security number has been jeopardized. Tax information as well as bank statements and employment records all use it for identification.

Medical benefits may also be compromised. Your Social Security number is also used as Medicare identification. You may be unable to pay for prescriptions and medical care without Medicare. Health records may end up containing false information and it may be hard to get health insurance. It becomes harder to get a lower insurance rate if they think you are unhealthy.

Traffic violations are yet another consequence " drivers license theft is one of the more insidious types of identity theft. Using a drivers license, a criminal can get auto insurance under the victims number and refuse to make payments, harming credit in the process. Also, any traffic violation incurred under a particular license number shows up on record, increasing auto insurance prices.

The most well-known of the types of identity theft is credit theft. This occurs when someone gains access to bank account information, ATM PINs, or credit cards. Using these bits of financial information, the thief applies for loans, conducts online transactions or empties the victims bank account. Victims often fail to realize they have suffered identity theft until bill collectors begin to call, demanding payment for products never bought or services never requested.

Being aware of these types of ID theft will help keep you safe. You need to realize that finance is just one. Character and health and transportation can also be at risk.

About the Author

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