Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States today. It is estimated that 10 million Americans have their identity stolen each year, costing the U.S. government millions of dollars and hundreds of hours. There are many methods of identity theft, including credit, financial, medial, crime, employment, and driver's license fraud. There are many methods identity thieves can use to steal your identity, from the streets to the Internet. The thieves are always trying to stay one step ahead, and are always finding new ways to steal your identity.

Credit Fraud

Identity thieves can do a lot of things using your creidt. Your credit is the most important thing of all in the world of finance. Using your credit, an identity thief can apply for loans, open credit cards, apply for mortgages, open bank accounts, buying cars, homes, and cell phones, all in your name. Credit fraud can ruin your reputation and credit score. It can result in thousands of dollars in debts, harassing phone calls from debt collectors, and many hours calling financial companies to clear your name, and dispute the charges. It may even result in having your home foreclosed on or your car repossessed.

Medical Fraud

Medical fraud is just as severe as credit fraud. Even worse, medical fraud can cost you your life. With medical fraud, someone can get prescription drugs, medical treatment, add health conditions to your medical record, and can even change your blood type. Medical fraud can cost tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, and hours of trying to clear your name. It can even cost you your life if the identity thief changed your blood type, and need a transfusion of the wrong blood type.

 

Crime Fraud

Crime fraud can cost you your employment, and peace of mind. When someone gets arrested, and uses your identity, and they don't appear in court on the due date, guess who'll be coming to the party? You can get your name cleared if the fingerprints don't match those of the Identity thief. However, you are still at risk for being arrested for more crimes you didn't commit, building a crime record all in your name. To be fully pardoned for a crime you didn't commit, you need your name, and crime removed from the police and wanted criminal database, which some police departments don't help easily. Crime fraud can result in a criminal record, insecurity, and your peace of mind. It can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in lawyer's fees, and hours in court, and on the telephone. It can even result in a prison sentence if you can't get your name cleared, and proven guilty anyway.

Driver's License Fraud

Using your identity, a thief can apply for driver's licenses in your name. This type of fraud can build a criminal history on your driving record. It costs time and money to get your name cleared, and the identity thief arrested.

 

Identity theft is becoming a more common crime in the United States. Many identities are stolen every minute. Identity theft is a stealthy crime, you may be a victim of identity theft, and may not know, until it's too late. There are some victims of credit card fraud that don't find out until a year later. If you share your personal information with anyone, you're at risk. Even an employer can use your identity. Few identity thieves are actually caught. Those who get away with it will do it over and over again. However, there are ways to prevent or at least lower the risk of you being the next victim. You can do it yourself, or hire a professional company, such as Lifelock, LoudSiren, Family Secure, etc.

If you are to enroll with an identity protection program, first carefully read the terms and conditions, and read the plan. Make sure they actually provide what they advertise, make sure they use proactive measures to keeping your identity safe, make sure that they also have a way of compensation if your identity is ever compromised under their protection.

If you are going to protect yourself by yourself, here are ways to keep the identity thieves away:

(1) Don't share your personal information with anyone, especially your social security number, with anyone unless completely necessary.

(2) When making purchases with a credit card, don't lose sight of it.

(3) Shred all financial documents before throwing them away.

(4) Don't store any critical financial information in your car or wallet or purse, especially your social security number.

(5) While making purchases with a credit card, or when you are at an A.T.M., ensure no one is behind you, so they don't have the chance to get a picture of your information.

(6) Check bank and credit card statements carefully.

(7) Regularly check your creidt score.

(8) At home, keep all critical information hidden and locked away in a safe.

(9) Place a fraud alet on your file with the three major credit bureaus, that way, when someone tries to apply for credit in your name, the creditor will contact you with your approval first.

(10) On the Internet, use strong passwords and security questions with online accounts.

(11) Ensure that you are on the official website of the company, ensure HTTP:// or HTTPS:// is at the beginning of the URL.

(12) Ensure that you have sufficient Internet security, including anti-spyware, anti-virus, and a firewall. It is also a good idea to have a program that monitors websites.

(13) Keep your security programs updated, and scan regularly.

(14) Never answer or open e-mails from the "fraud department" of your credit card or bank that asks for your information. Call the company on their official website first.

(15) Never store your personal information on your computer.

(16) Ensure all online transactions are secure.

(17) Ensure that you are buying from a legitimate company, and ensure it has a good reputation.

(18) Use a payment system such as PayPal, to prevent your information beign exposed.

(19) Opt out from pre-approved credit card offers in the mail, this lowers the chance of a thief finding one in your mailbox.

(20) Never leave mail in your mailbox, especially at night. You should retrieve your mail as soon as possible.

(21) When mailing items such as bill payments, you should either mail them a short time before the mailman comes, or go to the post office.

(22) You may wish to get a P.O. box to secure your mail.

Visit http://www.identitysavers.org to learn more about identity theft, and keeping your identity safe.

By www.identitysavers.org