Types of Identity Fraud and Theft
Identity theft is a growing problem across the world, especially with the new wave of cyber technology where you can do almost anything online. Identity theft or fraud is stealing another person’s identity for a number of different reasons. There are several types of identity fraud as outlined below.

One of the most popular types of identity fraud is financial identity fraud. This is when people steal credit card and other bank information to buy goods and services. This can happen on the streets when someone steals your wallet or purse, or online when someone hacks into your personal computer or business database and obtains your financial information.

Most banks offer protection against financial identity theft. However, if you notice your wallet or credit cards are missing, you should immediately cancel all cards just in case.

Another type of identity theft is business or commercial theft. This is when someone uses another business name to get credit. Criminal identity theft is when a criminal poses as another person when they have been caught for a crime. Medical identity theft is when someone uses another person’s medical records to obtain drugs.

Identity cloning is perhaps the scariest type of identity fraud. This is when someone steals your entire life and identity and assumes the role of ‘you’ in everyday life. This includes your identity cards, passport, your belongings, your signature and several other aspects of your personal world.

Online Protection from Identity Theft
Statistics prove that the internet is becoming more and more prone to hackers and identity thieves. This is because it is harder to get caught hacking into a computer than it is stealing someone’s wallet and using their credit card at the local shop. Online is a world wide web of hidden information and there are ways to cover your tracks when performing criminal activity online.

The best way to protect from online identity theft is to invest in an Anti-Virus protection program.

Protect Yourself from Identity Fraud at Work and at Home
You should also know where your purse or wallet is when you are at home and out in about. Do not leave personal information and belongings lying around in an easy spot to grab and always lock the door to your house. Furthermore, do not leave your belongings in a car, at an empty office desk or unattended in public. You never know who may steal them.

Identity Fraud: Where to Report Identity Theft
If you are a victim of identity theft you need to report it to your local police. Investigators from the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of Privacy Protection in your state will look into each case and work to get your money, your records and your life back.