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[T1424]Types Of Identity Theft

by Paul Wilcox, Pau

Other Kinds of Identity Theft

Character identity theft is the first of the types of identity theft. When someones character is stolen, he or she is at risk of being charged with crimes never committed. This can lead to arrests and time spent in prison. Character identity theft usually occurs when a persons drivers license is stolen and the number used. In the eyes of the law, drivers license number is the second most important piece of identifying information apart from Social Security number. Character identity theft can also lead to inability to find work, due to negative results on background checks.

Social Security number theft is one of the most serious forms of identity theft. With a stolen Social Security number someone can access just about any other piece of private information. Almost all identity theft happens because the person's Social Security number has been jeopardized. Tax information as well as bank statements and employment records all use it for identification.

Medical benefits are at risk as well. Social Security number is also used as Medicare ID. Without Medicare or other health insurance, people usually will be unable to pay for medicines or services given by a hospital or clinic. False information can be placed in health records, thus causing difficulty in getting health insurance. The less healthy a person is, the more difficult it is to find low rates on insurance.

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.

We have all heard about identity theft protection companies such as LifeLock, TrustedID, Identity Guard and Debix but few have pointed out the main shortcoming of these services. You see, they only protect you from financial identity theft and while that is extremely important there are other types such as criminal or medical identity theft. Enter ID Watchdog, a publicly traded company, that can not only instantly identify if you are a victim of identity theft but also guarantees to restore your identity regardless if it was a financial, medical or criminal issue.

ID Watchdog scans 1000's of databases, including all three credit bureaus, DMV, credit applications and medical, to ensure your personal information has not been exposed or changed fraudulently. Initially they develop a baseline report that you approve and then they monitor your personal information and let you know if there are any changes to your baseline report. You can either approve any changes they inform you of or in the case of a fraudulent change you just let them know and they dig deeper in to the case and will do whatever it takes to restore your identity if they find it has been compromised.

The only catch with their service is if they find upon your enrollment that you are already a victim. In this case you would be charged an additional one time charge of $99.95 and then $79.95 for every incident they have to correct to restore your identity. This is very reasonably priced by the way. If the identity theft situation happens after you are enrolled there are no extra fees as you are completely covered under their guarantee.

Recently, ID Watchdog was featured on Identity theft Labs, the most trusted identity theft review site, and received a ranking of excellent putting them in a class that few identity protection companies have achieved. The best part about ID Watchdog's service is that they are the only identity theft service that not only protects you from financial identity theft but also from other types of identity theft such as medical and criminal. Id Watchdog also has a full identity theft restoration service. Combine that with their 100% success ratio in restoring their customers identities and you see why you have a winner. Few, if any, other companies have had that level of success. ID Watchdog has definitely established themselves as a player in this industry due to their unique and powerful offer.

Speaking of full restoration it should also be mentioned that with Id Watchdog if you do become a victim of identity theft they will do the work necessary to restore your good name. Most other services only provide you with assistance, ranging from poor to professional depending on the company, and you end up doing most of the work. Now that is no fun at all, can be frustrating to say the least, and can take countless hours on your part going through all the red tape bureaucracy. In today's busy world not many people have time for that.

If you are looking to protect your identity, and really who isn't given the number of victims every year - 9.9 million Americans according to the Federal Trade Commission, then I highly suggest you take a look at ID Watchdog to determine if they are the right identity protection company for you.

Article Source : Pg. 33

About Author

Both Paul Wilcox & John Armstrong are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Paul Wilcox has sinced written about articles on various topics from Anger Control, Information Technology and Finances. Is your protecting you as well as you think? You'll be amazed how many people are fooling themselves into thinking they're safe. Get more information about. Paul Wilcox's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.

John Armstrong has sinced written about articles on various topics from The Internet, Finances. John Armstrong, Manager of Identity Theft Labs, invites you to read this and to consid. John Armstrong's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.