| The fastest growing crime in America, Identity theft, | | | | Social Security identity theft happens when someone |
| affects not only adults, but children as well. Often | | | | uses your Social Security number to report their |
| people don't even know their identity has been stolen | | | | wages. This is of course sent to the IRS, who demand |
| until there is a major problem. Here are some common | | | | that you pay the taxes on this additional income, even |
| types of identity theft you should protect yourself | | | | though you never saw the money. Having someone |
| against. | | | | else reporting earnings on your Social Security number |
| Credit identity theft is the most publicized. Someone | | | | could also lose you other benefits as well, such as |
| uses your information to obtain loans or credit in your | | | | unemployment or aid to families with dependent |
| name, sometimes even taking money straight from | | | | children. |
| your bank account. You are left with a bad credit | | | | Character Identity theft blackens your good name. If |
| score; often with thousands of dollars of debt you | | | | someone commits a crime in your name, you could be |
| didn't accrue. | | | | the one arrested. Your link to a criminal record can |
| Driver's license identity theft happens when someone | | | | mar your chances of a good job when a background |
| stopped for a traffic citation uses your information for | | | | check is done. |
| the report. When they fail to appear in court, you are | | | | Even though not all thefts of identity ruin your credit |
| the one the police come for. In some cases this can | | | | score, they are all good reasons to protect your |
| even jeopardize you auto insurance, or at least raise | | | | personal information. To protect yourself, don't give out |
| your rates. | | | | personal information indiscriminately. Shred unwanted |
| Medical identity theft occurs when someone receiving | | | | mail that contains personal information. |
| treatment gives out your information. You receive bills | | | | Don't carry your Social Security card with you. Report |
| for treatment you never had. You could lose health | | | | a lost or stolen wallet to the police, as well as notify |
| coverage or be denied needed medical treatment and | | | | your credit card companies and bank. Checking your |
| benefits because of false information on your medical | | | | credit score occasionally can also help you know if |
| records. | | | | someone else is using your credit information. |