There are several different identity theft types. You’ll be more informed about identity theft by knowing the different strategies. Here are five tips on identity theft types.

Online Identity Theft Types

It can happen to a fake website asking for personal information to obtain credit online. Online banking is another place where identity theft happens when you enter your information into a fake bank site.

Fake Text Messages

Text messages are sent to people unaware of security risks asking them personal information. The fake text messages usually come from a big known corporation that the person is pretending to be from in order to gain your credit card number.

Friends

Your friends can gather your personal information easily when you leave them in the car to run into the gas station for a minute. Don’t ignore any red flags that pop up. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known them.

Relatives

Be careful of anyone that has access to your credit report. Be cautious around anyone that helps you pay your bills each month such as a family caregiver. Any one of these individuals can steal your identity. It can be your ex spouse, grandma, grandpa, and granddaughter. Don’t overlook your daughter,son, son-in-law, daughter-in-law. Anyone that is relative can steal your identity.

Service Employees in Your Home

The maid can steal your information easily. Give her access to your house then she’ll be able to steal anything. Think about the people that enter your home.

Fugitives

People that are wanted by law enforcement will usually steal another persons identity. The fugitive won’t usually open up credit accounts since the person wants a new life in disguise as someone else.

New Life

Some people simply want a new life for a number of different reasons. A woman could use a new identity to escape her abuser. She knows that a new life with a new ID gives her a sense of security. She can start over without needing to worry about anything.

New Credit

The criminal that commits identity theft with the sole intention of obtaining new credit accounts is the worst kind. The reason why I say this is because it takes years to sort out this type of damage. Collectors will often find that the person used a bogus address to have the bills sent to in order to throw you off for months or even years depending upon how often you check your credit. The other thing is some credit accounts don’t show up as long as the bill is paid on time and not late.

Desperate People

Desperate people will often think nothing of taking a credit card to use to acquire something. They often will ditch the credit card often using it a few times without ever getting caught. Be careful of people who you notice looking around your purse or wallet. They may be gathering checking account information and credit card information.

Fake Legit Looking Checks

Professional criminals often know how to make a fake legit looking check using your account number. It is quit easy to do once you have mastered the skill.

Credit Card Swiper

Pro’s also know how to make a fake credit card swiper using your credit card number to take money out of an ATM before you notice it.

Criminals Can Be Employee From Inside Corporations

There have been criminals that steal identity information from working inside a company. They often get away with this behavior for a while. The company does know that most personal information is either revealed by an employee, used by an employee, or stolen.

The best way to reduce the risk of identity theft is to be careful with your personal information. Guard your social security number and your account numbers. Be careful who you reveal your information to. Indentity thieves use many tricks to con people into giving away their private information. Follow these 10 basic steps to reduce the risk of identity theft.

• Do not carry your social security card in your wallet. Instead, memorize your number.
• Do not carry your birth certificate in your wallet or purse. Keep it safely at home.
• Choose good passwords for your credit card, bank and loan accounts. A good password does not contain easy to guess information such as your birth date or your child’s name. Pick a password that does not contain any information that is easily linked to you.
• Do not give out personal identification information over the phone or Internet, unless you initiated the contact. Identify thieves commonly call people or use fake emails or websites pretending to be a bank, credit card or loan company, in an attempt to get the person to divulge sensitive identity information.
• Thieves commonly dig through a person’s trash to obtain sensitive information. Shred all mail that contains your personal identification information to prevent identity thieves from getting ahold of it.
• Check your bank, credit card and loan statements carefully each month to catch fraudulent activity. Immediately report fraudulent activity if you find it.
• Check your credit once a year. Every person is entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the credit agencies. By checking your credit report regularly, you can catch identity theft activity quicker. In addition to yearly free credit reports, you are entitled to additional free reports if you suspect fraudulent activity is taking place under your social security number. So, if you suspect identity theft is happening, you don’t need to wait a year to check your credit for free.
• Report stolen credit cards, identification cards, social security cards, bank checks and other sensitive information immediately.
• Install a firewall program on your computer. A firewall program blocks users from accessing your computer information remotely and stealing your person information.
• Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer. Some computer virus and spyware programs log information that you input into your computer and send the information over the Internet to identity thieves.

Following the above 10 tips will reduce your risks of identity theft significantly. Nothing you can do will guarantee that your credit is safe, however. If identity theft occurs, despite your safe practices, file a report with the police and contact the credit bureaus and your credit card, bank and loan companies to report the theft.

People don’t realize how private the social security numbers need to be protected so it doesn’t fall into the criminals hands. Here are five ways on how identity theft is committed without your knowledge.

#1 Your Moms Maiden Name

The criminal can open up credit accounts over the telephone with your mothers maiden name. It is one of the security questions asked which makes it easy to steal identity and obtain credit accounts.

#2 Your Social Security Number

You probably wonder how he got your Social Security Number? Think about all the places that you’ve revealed your Social Security number in the past. The criminal either stole it directly from you that implies someone you know, or indirectly from another source.

#3 Your Birth Certificate Information

The criminal either knows you directly or stole the information from an official source. Official sources are places such as Welfare, Drivers License Division, and Health Department. The criminal could of paid someone off from inside to get the information.

#4 Drivers License Number or State ID

The criminal either is someone that you know that at one time had access to your wallet or purse. The person could of been someone you don’t know that either was an employee of a company, or paid someone off. Employees are the number one people often suspected of Identify Theft in the drivers license division.

#5 Place of Employment

Your job is another place where you reveal social security number and drivers license number or state ID. Any number of employees can discover how identity theft is committed just to make your life miserable as a revenge tactic.

How identity theft is committed often takes skill and sneaky tactics to not get caught. Identity theft is often done to buy a new life in another state, a revenge tactic, and sometimes just to run from the law.

Identity theft happens more often than you think it does on a regular basis. It takes a long time to catch a criminal because they know how to cover their tracks.

The criminals can live underground using your information without you knowing as long as they stay smart about it.

Please remember the criminals that do identity theft are pro’s at it. They know exactly what they are doing when they steal your identity. They are often considered professionals in the black market.

Some victims of identity theft only have to deal with new ID’s being issued to the criminal. The other victims of identity theft spend forever trying to undo all the credit accounts the criminal opened.

The main ways how identity theft is committed are place of employment, social security number, mothers maiden name, and birth certificate information. It also happens with your drivers license information being stolen or sold for money from a inside employee.

The three ways that a criminal often gets caught is when you filed a identity theft alert, the criminal has overlapping IDs in the same state as you, and the criminal gives your ID to police assuming you have no warrants when you really do have warrants.

Dustbins

Many of us trash old bills, notebooks, letters, etc. These documents can be ideal points of entry for identity thieves. While you are careless about what information you included in the old diary, someone else might find it helpful because it bearers your driving license number, Social Security Number, Credit Cards Number, etc. Armed with these details, a thieve can apply for a job or a credit card using your name and leave the debt behind for you to service. It is important to go through all documents you intend to trash and if possible it is advisable to destroy them instead of leaving them in usable formats.

Phishing

Phishing is a modern method of stealing identities. This method utilizes emails, junk emails, and pop ups on users browsers. Identity thieves send junk messages that sometimes require recipients to confirm such details as credit card information. Nowadays many people know the tricks and do not reply to such emails. However there are new internet users that submit their details whenever they are prompted to do so. Online identity thieves have been inventing new ways of stealing identities and it is advisable that you don’t submit personal information to any websites or emails that you are not sure about.

Changing Address

Thieves can use bank employees or other payment processing companies to gain access to your mails. They can then change the contact details so that they receive your bank statements, bills and other crucial documents without your knowledge. The information borne by these documents can be used to access your bank accounts and other valuables. It is important to note inconsistencies in mail deliveries and to act promptly when you notice any tampered, missing or delays mails. This way you can correct identity theft before major damages are made.

Stealing

Identity thieves can access your personal documents and identifications by forcefully taking them from you. Thieves can also steal documents from companies offices or banks which they can later use to steal from you. This form of identity stealing is the most difficult to manage but everyone should avoid exposing themselves to possible thieve risks. Regular personal finances audits is also a good way of eliminating possible damages caused by identity thieves.

No one is immune from identity theft. One case involved a three-week-old infant, and the dead are frequent targets of identity-theft plots. Nor are the victims exclusively individuals. Entire companies have been victimized by identity thieves. Those who study the problem cite many factors for the rapid rise of the crime: the growth of the Internet; the emergence of digital finance; the commonplace nature of consumer credit and the weak regulations governing the credit industry; and inadequate communication between local, national, and international law-enforcement agencies.

The jargon listed below, used by both criminals and law-enforcement authorities, helps explain how identity thieves go about their business.

Dumpster diving

Searching garbage cans, trash bins, and city dumps to find scraps of confidential information such as canceled checks, credit-card statements, bank documents, tax returns, discarded applications for preapproved credit cards, or any records that contain social-security numbers, names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other data that can be used to assume an identity.

Phishing (pronounced “fishing”)

Pretending to be a legitimate company and sending e-mails requesting the recipient to respond or to submit information on a Web page. Phishers make their e-mails and Web sites look authentic by including familiar logos and Internet links that appear to be the legitimate ones of the company they are using as bait. Literally millions of phishing e-mails are sent out each month, and many unsuspecting recipients respond, resulting in huge monetary losses.

Spoofing

Making an e-mail message look as if someone else has sent it. E-mail spoofers often claim to be computer-system administrators requesting the unsuspecting victims to change their user ID (identification) and password to a specific value, or pretending to be an organization’s management requesting a copy of password files or other sensitive information.

Hacking

Breaking into computer systems by using known computer-program flaws or by finding poorly controlled systems. Hackers attack computers all over the world; in 1998 a Russian hacker broke into Citibank’s computer in the United States and stole $12 million dollars from customer accounts.

Social engineering

Tricking employees of a company into disclosing confidential information. Common social-engineering tricks include pretending to be an employee who has forgotten a password, or to be from network security and needing a password to test the system, or assuming the role of a buyer or a salesperson to obtain the confidential information.

Key logging

Using hidden computer software to record computer activity, such as a user’s keystrokes, e-mails sent and received, and Web sites visited. Whereas parents may employ such software to check on their children’s computer usage and businesses use it to monitor employee activity, identity thieves utilize the software to garner confidential information and have it sent to them by e-mail.

Impersonation

Using someone else’s user ID and password to access a system. By doing so the thief is able to enjoy the same privileges as the person being impersonated.

Password cracking

Penetrating a computer-system’s defenses, stealing the password file, and using the passwords to access system programs, files, and data.

Packet sniffing

Using programs that capture data from information packets as they travel over the Internet or company networks. Captured data is sifted to find confidential information.

Eavesdropping

Listening to private communications or transmissions of data on unprotected communications lines. The most common way to intercept signals is by wiretapping.

Authorities suggest a number of ways to prevent identity theft and to minimize its consequences should it occur. Computer users are advised to be skeptical of all requests for information—legitimate companies do not typically ask for sensitive personal information via e-mail. Before entering personal or financial information on any site, users are told to check that it is a “secure” site by looking for the padlock symbol on the bottom of most Web browsers. Users are also advised to make sure that their passwords contain a combination of letters and numbers so that they cannot be easily guessed, and are not the same for every account. In addition, people should carefully check their monthly bank and credit-card statements for suspicious items and they should regularly review accounts online between statements. Confidential documents should be shredded to prevent dumpster diving. Firewalls and computer virus–protection software should be used to make a computer secure. Security patches released by vendors to correct software flaws should be installed as soon as they are available. Online retailers should be checked before making a purchase. Consumers should not give any retailers permission to store their confidential information, as the databases maintained by retailers may be vulnerable to theft.

When you receive pre-approved credit cards in the mail, do you throw them away or use a shredder? If thrown away in tact, a thief could find it while dumpster diving and use it to steal your identity. With this type of information, thieves can use your name to create new accounts, apply for new credit cards, benefit financially, and then disappear before anyone can capture them.

Once you begin seeing signs of identity theft, chances are the thief has had plenty of time to run up debt and move around several times. Often, victims of identity theft don’t realize what’s happened until about 45 days or more after the theft occurred.

Requesting a 2 or 3 credit reports each year from the major credit report bureaus is encouraged to see if there are any signs of identity theft. If there is an account that isn’t yours listed on your report, then perhaps you will be able to limit the amount of damage done to your credit.

Signs of Identity Theft

The following are additional signs of identity theft to keep an eye out for:

If a creditor sends you a credit card statement and you don’t have an account with them, then this is a sign of identity theft. A phone call from a creditor you don’t belong with is a cause for concern as well. A thief may have used your name to open a new account without you knowing.

If you applied for a new credit card or loan and were denied, then find out why. This is especially the case if you have good credit and there was no good reason for you being denied. Check your credit as this could be a sign of identity theft.

Cash advance withdrawals on your credit card statement or unidentifiable charges are definite red flags. Contact the creditor immediately to find out where those charges came from.

Another sign of identity theft is not receiving a credit card statement when you normally should. If you didn’t get a statement, contact your creditor as it’s possible that a thief stole your identity and changed the mailing address.

Not protecting your information increases your risk of being an identity theft victim. Be cautious whenever giving out important personal details and monitor your credit periodically to lookout for signs of identity theft.

Prevention involves first knowing what it is and how it happens. Then, it comes down to taking the necessary steps to prevent identity theft.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves one person stealing another’s personal information to benefit in some way, usually financially. This information could include a credit card or bank account number. The thief could use it buy products and services online where they don’t need to have the credit card in possession. Social security numbers sometimes get stolen, and the thief could use it to gain employment or sell it to illegal immigrants for them to use. In the most severe cases, a thief will commit a crime using the stolen identity. This of course often leads to the innocent victim being arrested.

How Does Identity theft Occur?

An identity can be stolen in any number of ways, some are rather basic while others are more advanced. Credit card theft, phishing scams, stealing documents, and hacking into databases are just several methods used by thieves.

What is ID Theft Insurance?

The concept of ID theft insurance is no different than insurance for anything else, it’s to provide reimbursement for the incurred losses that result from identity theft. Because more and more identities are being stolen, obtaining ID theft insurance is being seriously considered now more than ever. Insurance companies that offer this may offer several different policies depending on what best suits you.

The policies available will vary in terms of the types of theft and the amount of money that will be covered. For instance, one policy may provide protection for credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards and up to $30,000 for the family. So it’s possible that you could still lose money if you are a victim despite having ID theft insurance.

Credit card companies sometimes offer ID theft insurance as well. You might find that the protection plans through your credit card company may be less than what insurance companies offer. Discover card offers a plan that will insure victims up to $25,000. Contact your creditor to see if they offer such a service if you aren’t sure.

Terms And Conditions

Learn the terms and conditions of any ID theft insurance policy that you are considering before making any decisions. As you research what companies offer, you will find that the terms will vary based on the policy. Some for instance may pay for cost for notarizing fraud affidavit, long distance telephone calls that deal with the fraud, and other fees associated with the recovery process. Others may not provide this much coverage. Compare and decide what is best for your situation.

Legal costs will generally be covered in most insurance policies when you hire an attorney. A portion of lost wages due to missing time from work may be provided over a short period of time. Fees that incurred from loan re-application because of inaccurate credit information could be included in the policy, as well as mailing costs.

Prevention is the best way to combat identity theft. If peace of mind is important to you, then ID theft insurance may be a good option for you. The key point is to know exactly what you are getting with a policy.

When the child identity theft victims reach the age where they begin monitoring their credit reports or apply for credit cards, they might be in for a surprise. They may not get approved for credit, and have no idea why. Once they find out, then they have to begin restoring their credit. This process could takes years, but isn’t necessary as long as the enough caution is taken. The following will discuss child identity theft more in depth and how you can prevent it from happening.

Child Identity Theft

A child’s social security number is used for several reasons. Parents will use to so to a greater tax return on their income, and children will use it to get health insurance. In addition, a SSN will be applied when registering for a doctor, attending a new school, or participating in certain activities. A SSN can get in the wrong hands and put a child at risk for identity theft.

As mentioned, not many parents even think about checking on their child’s credit report. And why would they? Their child has no credit history. So it doesn’t get looked at often times until he or she is ready for a credit card.

Monitoring for child identity theft is not easy. In order to get access to a child’s credit report, you will have to mail a letter requesting the information. Many parents may not even know about child identity theft, or even bother taking the time to get it.

The Process of Child Identity Theft

Once thieves have a SSN in their possession, they can use to find out more information about the victim. Using this information, they can open new bank accounts, apply for credit card, loans, and rack up all kinds of debt. Recovering from identity theft is very challenging, especially if it has been happening for years without anyone knowing.

Preventing Child Identity Theft

Therefore, taking steps to prevent child identity theft is important. You can monitor your child’s credit report by requesting one every 1-2 years. Never disclose any critical details about your child unless it’s absolutely required and the place or person requesting it can be trusted. For example, there is little to no risk giving it to your child’s doctor or to the IRS. Plus, there is no way around not giving it to them if they need it. Keep the SSN in a safe place in your home as opposed to carry it around with you.

Preventing child identity theft doesn’t require doing much, but in this case a little goes a long way.

Victims shouldn’t waste anytime contacting all creditors and informing them of the situation. This means telling them that any purchases in their name shouldn’t be authorized and their credit should be suspended. Call any financial institutions that you have accounts with, such as banks and credit card companies.

Identity theft victims have the right to contest any items on their credit report that are either inaccurate, misleading, or unverifiable. The credit bureau has 30 days to verify all of the details. If they can’t, then all the charges must be removed. They have to prove that you actually paid for all the items.

Victims will receive in writing all the results of the investigation and changes made to their credit reports. Information that has been removed from a report can never be returned unless evidence surfaces that verifies that the charge was not fraudulent. Upon request, a notice must be sent to anyone who has seen a report in the last six months to explain changes that have been made. Updated reports can be sent to any employers whom victims have been with in the last two years.

Identity Theft Prevention

A credit monitoring service or insurance should be considered by anyone who has been a victim. Sometimes a stolen identity can get passed around to other criminals, so you are still at risk. Many services are available that provide identity theft protection, such as Identity Guard and Lifelock. You can obtain a maximum of $1,000,000 insurance from Lifelock to cover damages that occur to your records as a result of being a victim.

A credit monitoring will also the bear the burden of recovering your identity, saving you a great deal of time and headaches. The best services, such as Identity Guard and Lifelock, will manage the situation and work to remove the blemishes from your credit.

Credit monitoring can be done on your own by requesting credit reports periodically. However, this will only give an update of your credit every so often and ultimately won’t recover your identity if it’s stolen. Doing all the monitoring yourself can require a lot of work and time. Meanwhile, credit monitoring services will not only watch over your credit around the clock, they will also take care of the restoration process as well.