What is identity theft and fraud?

Summary of the Article

Identity theft and fraud refer to crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data, often for economic gain. Examples of identity theft include stolen checks, ATM card fraud, fraudulent change of address, social security number misuse, passport fraud, phone service fraud, driver license number misuse, and false civil and criminal judgments. There are four types of identity theft: medical, criminal, financial, and child identity theft. The most common types of identity theft are financial, medical, and online identity theft.

15 Questions about Identity Theft and Fraud:

1. What is the definition of identity theft and fraud?

Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another personʼs personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

2. What are examples of identity theft and fraud?

Examples of identity theft include stolen checks, ATM card fraud, fraudulent change of address, social security number misuse, passport fraud, phone service fraud, driver license number misuse, and false civil and criminal judgments.

3. What are the 4 types of identity fraud?

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

4. What are the 3 types of identity theft?

The three most common types of identity theft are financial, medical, and online.

5. Can someone open a credit card in my name without my Social Security number?

An identity thief would have to obtain personal details such as your name, birthdate, and Social Security number in order to open a credit card in your name. However, doing so is a federal crime and can result in jail time when the thief is caught.

6. What are examples of identity theft?

Identity theft is when someone uses another person’s financial or personal data, usually for monetary gain. This can include stealing sensitive information like names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, driver’s license details, addresses, and bank account numbers or credit card numbers.

7. What are the first signs of identity theft?

The warning signs of identity theft include unrecognized bank or credit card transactions, unfamiliar inquiries on your credit report, unexpected bills or statements, unexpected lack of bills or statements, surprise credit score drop, and denial of loan or credit applications.

8. What happens when someone uses your SSN?

If someone has your Social Security number, they can use it to obtain other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and good credit to apply for credit in your name. Any unpaid bills they rack up will damage your credit.

9. What is the most common method used to steal someone’s identity?

The most common methods used to steal someone’s identity include physical theft (such as dumpster diving, mail theft, skimming, change of address, and identity consolidation) and technology-based methods (such as phishing, spyware, viruses, and malware).

10. What qualifies as identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone takes your name and personal information, like your social security number, without permission to open new accounts, use existing accounts, or obtain medical services.

11. How do I find out if a credit card has been opened in my name?

The best way to check if someone has opened an account in your name is to pull your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Each report may have different information and reports of fraudulent activity.