Identity Theft: Who Are the Victims?

Identity theft is a huge market, there are so many people that are targets and I'll tell you why in just a moment. There is a common misconception floating around in our every day space that suggests we can not be targets because we are mediocre and do hot have a life worth stealing. Even some celebrities think this way believe it or not. Identity theft has nothing to do with the amount of money you earn what your name is or what your status is on the income bracket.... It is all about the plastic.

This article is designed to help all people whether they are past victims or potential victims... you need to protect your identity and this will offer some insight. There are many types of fraud happening in identity theft cases that they need to be defined so that normal people can know what to watch for. There are also many ways you can be robbed that some people wouldn't even pay much attention to, and the list goes on, so fasten your seat belts because it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Identity Theft: Are you a Prime Victim?

Some celebrities have had their fair share of problems with people using their identity for hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of goods. But, usually it happens to those normal everyday live and die kind of people. For instance many circumstances begin with "...but they only wanted to help me..." or "... I never would've thought in a million years that they would ever do this to me..." One of the easiest targets is the kind and trusting. Those people with problems and financial worries are by far the easiest because the bad guys know how to manipulate or they would have a legal job making money honestly.

Also, it is a fallacy that you have to be old in order to have your identity stolen. There are children who, in some cases, have a bad parent that uses their children's names and social security numbers to begin making credit accounts when their own credit has been ruined beyond repair. Or the thief could be an 'ex' friend or pissed off family member that uses your child's information that was left on your living room desk. It could also be someone who got fired from your child's school and left with a pocket full of valuable information on several children to live cost free.

Elderly people are unfortunately, very easy to con. There are so many identity thieves that target elderly people that have recently lost a spouse or have been delinquent on a few payments in recent months. They are then targeted by opened arm, helpful individuals that are offering refinance options for their home or a loan for their bills. This despicable act gets worse. Once the elderly people have been approached by these vile little con artists they are told how much better they will be able to live once the financial burdens and worries are over. As you can imagine, they are shocked and completely stunned when they are forced onto the streets and their bank accounts are bone dry- they are then homeless, ashamed, and confused.

Identity Theft: Types of Fraud

There are many kinds of fraud that takes place regarding identity theft as I have said before. Let's take a deeper look into what makes for a prime target and just how you are sized up when Identity thieves are on the prowl.

Application fraud is a very common way that your identity can be stolen easily. It is often referred to as 'takeover' fraud which means that a person or persons can take an existing account literally anywhere, but usually is somewhat confined to credit cards and charge accounts, and assume that persons identity to obtain materials or merchandise which is then sold for a profit.

Another very common way to steal someone's identity through fraud is called 'true name fraud' and this has to do specifically with a criminal opening new accounts with a person's information with the sole purpose of racking up as much money as they can before getting caught. In these situations the victims has no idea and by the time they find out the perpetrator has already done the damage and has started a new life which is untraceable.

Identity Theft: In Closing

It is difficult to imagine anyone wanting to inflict this type of pain on another person. Physical pain at least heals in time but this kind of abuse lasts a lifetime and scars both emotionally and mentally. Now that you know how to protect yourself maybe you can pas the knowledge on to those you love and offer them the education to stop identity theft from happening to them.