What is ID Theft?

Identity theft, also known as “identity fraud” is generally defined as the fraudulent use of someone else’s information without permission. This means that a victim of identity theft is left with the consequences of his or her imposter’s actions, whether he or she is aware of it or not. These crimes can threaten everything from your finances and personal reputation, to your livelihood and physical health.

Take Charlie Weidman, for example, a real-life customer of ID Watchdog: During a return-trip from a vacation in Mexico, immigration officials detained Charlie and informed him that he was wanted for crimes committed in several US states. He was cleared of the mistake at the time, but had no idea that the damage was still there, and continuing. Charlie’s identity was stolen, and had been used not once, as he had originally assumed, but multiple times by a thief committing much more than financial damage. ID Watchdog discovered that the thief had been using his name to commit felonies, buy cars, receive medical treatment, obtain illegal employment, and much more. Fortunately, ID Watchdog was able to clear Charlie’s good name through our comprehensive identity restoration services.

What if this happened to you? Would you be prepared to investigate the identity theft threats in all of its different forms?

As Charlie’s story indicates, identity theft damage can extend much further than financial repercussions. This crime is continuing to evolve and become damaging to victims in a multitude if different ways.

For more useful information about how to protect yourself view the pages below.

Customer Case Studies

Insurance / Medical Theft

In times of desperation, uninsured individuals may use your identity to receive medical attention. It is an unfortunate reality that not every can afford healthcare, but to a victim of this type of identity theft, the crime can be very costly – even deadly. Not only would you or your insurance company be responsible for the charges, but your records might also reflect someone else’s medical history, putting you at great risk in case of an emergency.

Deflection of Criminal Activities

Strangers carrying your personal identification are a frightening threat, especially when they are committing a crime. If a criminal presents your identification upon arrest, it is your name that will be associated with the offense. Police reports are very difficult to clear from your record and may hinder your ability to get a job, apply for credit or loans, and more.

Identity thieves use this same concept to avoid suffering the consequences of driving infractions. Imagine having your driver’s license revoked because someone received too many tickets or a DUI conviction in your name.

Employment / Benefits Fraud

Individuals with poor employment histories or lacking the proper qualifications to work in the United States may use stolen identification to obtain employment. If someone used your social security number without your knowledge, you may be responsible for his or her earned income taxes and run into other problems with an altered employment history.

Financial / Credit Fraud

This is the type of crime that most people will usually relate to identity theft, in which a thief uses your information to apply for new lines of credit. The thief will need to establish a new address to evade your suspicions, so the cards, documentation, and bills will be sent to them, and not to you. The thief will buy anything from groceries to electronics to houses, leaving you with the debt and damage to your credit.

Although this is the most common type of identity theft, it still only makes up 20% of all reported identity theft occurrences.

This list only portrays a few examples of the types of identity theft that claim over 10 million Americans each year. While many identity protection companies monitor only the credit and financial aspect, ID Watchdog monitors all areas of your personal information that are vulnerable to identity theft.