| Identity theft is one of the most prevalent crimes | | | | innocence. |
| across the world today. The worst part about this | | | | 2. Credit Theft |
| extremely fast growing crime is that you can be a | | | | This is the most common type of identity theft in which |
| victim anywhere - on a vacation when you use your | | | | someone gets hold of your credit card details (or even |
| credit card, on the internet when you check your bank | | | | your credit card) and goes on a shopping spree. In the |
| account, or even at a local store. Identity theft can | | | | worst case scenario, the criminal might also get |
| leave your financial reputation in ruins and cost you | | | | accses to your Social Security Number (SSN), enabling |
| thousands of dollars. The best way to beat it? | | | | him to take out loans in your name. |
| Educate yourself. Understand what identity theft is and | | | | 3. Social Securty Number Theft (SSN Theft) |
| learn to recognize its various forms. Prior | | | | In this very serious crime, the criminal gets hold of your |
| understanding of identity theft is instrumental in | | | | SSN details. He can then use these details to evade |
| defeating it. | | | | taxes by filing them in your name (leaving you with the |
| There is a big misconception that identity theft simply | | | | tax bill). If he gets access to your credit card or bank |
| means that someone replicates your credit card or | | | | account details, he could theoretically destroy your |
| manages to get hold of the credit card number. This is | | | | financial reputation. |
| completely far from the truth. As you will learn in this | | | | The key to protecting yourself against identity theft is |
| article, identity theft can encompass a vast range of | | | | to always be vigilant. Always buy from trusted sellers |
| crimes. | | | | online, use services like Paypal to protect your credit |
| 1. Character Theft | | | | card details when paying on the internet, be aware of |
| This is a very serious crime in which the criminal | | | | any phishing attacks (in which a scammer replicates |
| assumes your identity. He could then take a loan under | | | | your financial institution's website), and if you are out on |
| your name, get credit cards, or even commit crimes in | | | | a vacation, make sure that you keep your wallet in a |
| your name. Obviously, the implications of such theft are | | | | safe and secure place. |
| huge, since the onus will be on you to prove your | | | | |