Identity Theft: Don’t Be The Next Victim!

All The Different Methods Of Identity Theft
Although there are many different methods that one can utilize to rip someone off in an identity
theft type scam, there are really only two basic types of actual identity theft. The first of these is
generally the easiest and most basic way for thieves to achieve their objective. An example of
Account takeover is when a thief gets hold of your actual physical credit card, or perhaps just
the card number and expiry date, using it to purchase services or products. This works out
extremely well for the thief, as the credit card owner doesn't usually notice the additional
purchases until they either receive their monthly statement in the mail or have attempted to use
the card and found that it has reached the maximum limit allowed.
The second type of identity theft is called Application fraud, or what is otherwise known as “true
name fraud”. In order for a thief to be successful at application fraud, they must have access to
a good deal of your personal information such as your Social Security Number (SSN), full name,
address, place of work, salary, driver's license number, date of birth etc. Of course not all of
these pieces of information would be necessary for a thief to get away with application fraud but
certainly a combination of some of the above would be required.
It Can Affect Anyone
Like many, you may assume that identity theft only happens to those people who might be a bit
more careless when it comes to safeguarding personal information. Or perhaps you are of the
mindset that because you don't really have a lot of money in your personal account or don't
have credit cards with large spending limits, that identity theft thieves wouldn't necessarily target
someone like yourself. Well, make no mistake about it; identity theft can happen to anyone,
including you! Basically, if you have an identity (and we hope that you do) then you are
susceptible.
Identity Theft – Don’t Be The Next Victim!

Are You Safe From Identity Theft?
Are you really safe from identity theft? Each day people are being attacked. So how would you
feel if you got arrested for a crime you did not commit? The phone rings and creditors are
harassing you saying you owe X amount of dollars despite the fact you do not have a credit card
or you haven't used it in that month. What will you say to them?
Perhaps when you become a victim you will have the answers to these questions. But until
then...
People say that identity theft is the "perfect crime" Everyone who is anyone can be a victim
including children. The best way to prevent yourself from being the prey is learn about the
crime. There are millions affected every year.
Once a thief decides to take your place in your life, it's almost impossible to get that life back. So
you have not been a victim of ID theft, then do not take any risk that can harm those chances.
ID theft is the type of crime that one person pretends to be another in sake of getting
information, money or any other reasons. This is typically done for financial reasons and or
criminal activity.
Information that the thieves look to get are the potential victim's complete name, their date of
birth and any array of related data such as social security number, passport, driver's license
number and credit card number.
Once the thief has any part of the information, he or she can use it to take over the victim's
accounts. He or she can apply for loans and even purchase items and services.
The thief can also apply for medical benefits, education assistance and other personal finances.
Just by creating or forging birth certificates or immigration documents, all this can be gotten
when presented to the right agency who provides this type of help.
Identity Theft – Don’t Be The Next Victim!

For those who are involved in this kind of crime either want to mislead police on who is
committing the fraud or hide from police while they are pursuing the assailant. Some like to use
the person's name to do larger crimes and do human trafficking and terrorism acts.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 29 percent of complaints come from
individuals from people aged 18-29, 25 percent for 30-39 individual ages, 21 percent in from
individuals in their 40s. 13 percent from the individuals in 50s. The remaining 10 percent come
from those ages 60 and older.
Thieves target those who have an average income and those with good credit.
Do not forget that even children can be victims of identity theft especially from their
relatives...their parents mainly.
Even businesses, corporations and smell enterprises can be struck by identity theft by thiev