What are the most common identity thefts?

Types of Identity Theft

  • Financial Identity Theft. Financial identity theft is by far the most common type of identity theft.
  • Medical Identity Theft.
  • Criminal Identity Theft.
  • Child Identity Theft.
  • Identity Cloning & Concealment.
  • Synthetic Identity Theft.
  • Mitigate Your Risk.

How much information does a scammer need to steal your identity?

Much like a Social Security number, a thief only needs your name and credit card number to go on a spending spree. Many merchants, particularly online, also ask for your credit card expiration date and security code. But not all do, which opens an opportunity for the thief.

Can you go to jail if someone steals your identity?

Incarceration. A conviction for an identity theft crime can result in time spent in jail or prison. In general, a conviction for a misdemeanor offense can lead to up to a year in jail, while felony sentences can result in several years or more in prison.

What are the 4 types of identity theft?

The four types of identity theft include medical, criminal, financial and child identity theft.

How can you check to see if your identity has been stolen?

Identity theft: How to check if your ID has been stolen

  1. Step 1: Check your bank account for unusual transactions.
  2. Step 2: Check for suspicious activity on your online accounts.
  3. Step 3: Look out for unusual emails, texts, and letters.
  4. Step 4: Take note of how much mail you’re receiving.
  5. Step 5: Check your credit report.

What are 2 things you should do if your identity is stolen?

  1. File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.
  2. Notify companies of your stolen identity.
  3. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
  4. Contact your local police department.
  5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
  6. Freeze your credit.
  7. Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.

What’s the difference between identity theft and identity fraud?

Medical identity theft occurs when a fraudster illegally obtains and uses a patient’s Personally Identifiable […] Identity fraud (also known as ID fraud or ID theft) refers to types of crime in which someone wrongfully uses another person’s personal data fraudulently or deceptively.

Who are the people charged with identity theft?

Linda Pylant of Grasonville, Maryland, has been charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, social security fraud, and tax evasion. Christopher A. Montalbano and Gus Anthony Montalbano were charged in a bank fraud scheme in which they provided fraudulent information to financial institutions.

Where can I find information about identity theft?

To find other identity theft resources visit our Resources web page. This type of theft involves criminally intercepting communication between two parties and recording the information without the two parties ever knowing about it. The criminal then uses this information to access accounts and possibly steal the user’s identity.

What does it mean when someone steals your identity?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your identity in a crime or fraudulent act. It can happen to anyone—but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and to recover if it happens to you. Learn more about identity theft from the Federal Trade Commission.