Identity theft

Identity theft is stealing personal information like social security number, credit card number or birth information helps identify a particular person. Predators use the information to access the unsuspecting victim’s bank account, credit or even siphon away retirement benefits leaving the poor old man in penury.

It is dangerous for the victim as all the criminal offences the fraudster may commit using his identity would make him liable for punishment which can extend to a prison sentence unless he is proved innocent.

Identity theft could be financial when someone uses another’s identity to obtain goods and services. He could also pose as someone else when apprehended for a crime which then makes it a criminal identity theft.

Cloning another’s identity by using information stolen through fraudulent means could lead to a business or commercial identity theft. Usually credit is obtained using somebody else’s identity and obviously utilizing his credit rating as well.

Terrorism, illegal immigration, espionage and blackmail are common crimes committed with stolen identities. Media identity theft is impersonating others not for financial or economic benefits, but to somehow take credit, praise and adulation for the victim’s achievements.

Nowadays more people are suffering in the United States for identity thefts committed on them by fraudsters. Retirement benefits are being taken away using the real recipient’s identity and credit is availed of by stealing the victim’s identity and piling him up with debts.

It is only when the financial institutions mail or call up the unsuspecting victims, they know of the crime for they are being blamed. Only after proving themselves innocent do they stand a chance of washing off their guilt.

At times when identities are partially or completely fabricated, a synthetic identity theft occurs. Two identity thefts get committed when the fraudster uses someone’s real or a fabricated birth detail and name with another victim’s social security number.

Very hard to track and misleading to creditors as it appears as a new file or as a sub file on either person’s credit report as the predator gets away with the credit. Consumers are affected as negative information in sub files can impact their credit.

Regular reports from credit agencies can help the consumer spot any errors or anything fraudulent that he can notify immediately. But the most common crime affecting Americans from coast to coast is identity theft meant to steal their hard earned credits and life’s savings.

Even while withdrawing money from ATM’s there could be someone peeping over the shoulder to note the password and pin number. Normally social security, debit and credit cards are carried in the wallet.

Online promo sites also lure unsuspecting victims with lucrative offers which require them also to part with some of their personal information. Usually, this goes out of the victim’s system or computer and is used by fraudsters to siphon away his money. But surprisingly it has been found whenever a child’s identity has been stolen the usual perpetrator is the parent.