Types of identity theft

Often the most easily rectified type of identity theft is financial identity theft.  In this case, the thief is after your money and uses your good credit to get it.  You will probably know fairly soon if you are a victim and your time and your money most likely will be the only casuality.

Let's focus for a minute on the first four types of identity theft.

Department of Motor Vehicles - Let's say you are sitting at your desk in the morning having a cup of coffee to start your day (pretend it's Monday).
In walks a policeman telling you he has a warrant for your arrest.  In shock and with the office crowd gathering you stammer "for what?".  The officer politely answers "You have 58 unpaid parking violations." 

A thief has used your personal identity to get a driver's license and register a vehicle.

Social Security - The following Monday, you are back in the office trying to explain to your boss that the tickets weren't yours when in comes a well dressed man flashing an FBI badge.  "Sir, you are under arrest for income tax evasion" the agent says to you as he puts on the handcuffs.

A thief has used your social security number to go into business for himself.  Of course, the thief hasn't paid his taxes for the past 3 years.

Medical Information - After you make bail, you've had enough.  You decide to visit your good friend and golfing pal Dr. Joe.  You tell him what's happened and he give you something to help you relax.  After all, it's been a rough couple of weeks.  At the drug store, the pharmacist tells you to call the HMO because they will not pay for this prescription.  You already have two similiar prescriptions from two different doctors.

A thief has stolen your insurance card and has been using your identity to get drugs all over town.

Criminal Identity - Monday comes around again and your back at the office.  People are avoiding you like the plague and the boss is watching.  You think it can't get worse when in walks a man, a big man, that you swear you've seen before.  As he walks closer to your office, you recognize him.  You think "Hey, it's Dog the Bounty Hunter" as he's dragging you away for violating parole.

Although this was meant to amuse you, these types of identity theft are not a laughing matter.  Think about these scenarios.  You will not know you are a victim until something happens.  Probably something bad.