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by: PaulWilcox
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The financial consequences of identity theft are well known. Credit card fraud, bad credit, bounced checks and unpaid debts run rampant due to people having their identity stolen. However, finance is not the only thing that can be harmed. Following is a list of the various types of identity theft.

What are the other types of identity theft?

The first type is character identity theft. You may be a risk of being charged with a crime if your character identity has been stolen. You may even end up spending time in prison. Character identity usually happens when your driver's license is stolen and the number used. Your driver's license is your most important piece of identification after you Social Security number. If your character identity is stolen you may not be able to find work because of unfavorable background checks.

Theft of a Social Security number is one of the most serious types of identity theft. Anyone who has access to a persons Social Security number can gain access to virtually every other piece of identifying information about them. Almost all cases of identity theft were caused due to the victims Social Security number being compromised. Tax information, employment records and bank statements all depend on it for identification.

Medical benefits may also be compromised. Your Social Security number is also used as Medicare identification. You may be unable to pay for prescriptions and medical care without Medicare. Health records may end up containing false information and it may be hard to get health insurance. It becomes harder to get a lower insurance rate if they think you are unhealthy.

Traffic violations are another problem. Stealing a driver's license is one of the most devious types of identity theft. With a license, the thief can obtain auto insurance using the number and harm the person's credit rating by not making the payments. Any traffic violations that are obtained on the license number are recorded and your insurance rates will rise.

Credit theft is probably the most familiar type of ID theft. This happens when someone acquires bank account information such as PIN numbers or credit cards. With just this little piece of information, they can apply for a loan in your name, do online transactions or even empty out your bank account. Very often the victim isn't even aware this has happened until the bill collectors call looking for the money owed for items bought.

Knowing these types of identity theft is vital to safety; if simply to understand that it is not only finance at risk. Character, health and transportation can all be affected as much as finance.

About the Author

Is your internet security actually protecting you as well as you think? You'll be amazed how many people are fooling themselves that they're safe. Get more information about how to be sure you're safe on the Security Manor website .

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