When many think of cybercrimes, they think of hackers breaking into international databases to steal national secrets. While this does happen, it’s rare. By far, one of the most common forms of cybercrime is identity theft. Unfortunately, many consumers are unsure what to look for or the different forms of identity theft they can be victims of. If you are unfamiliar with the different types of theft, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what you must be alert to. Additionally, you’ll discover how a Los Angeles, California identity theft lawyer can assist you if you are a victim.
Are There Different Forms of Identity Theft?
Many assume that identity theft is one-size-fits-all, which is far from the truth. In reality, different forms of identity theft can have varying impacts on your life. As such, it’s essential to understand the differences.
The most common form of identity theft is financial. This occurs when someone else uses your information for their benefit. This can happen when someone else uses your credit or debit cards without your knowledge or uses your sensitive information to open new accounts in your name.
Similar to financial identity theft, tax identity theft is increasingly common. Essentially, when someone uses your information to recover your tax return, you are a victim of identity theft.
Finally, you may find that someone else has received healthcare in your name, making you a victim of medical identity theft. Unfortunately, you may discover bills or charges from a provider you do not recognize, and you’ll need to report this to your insurance company.
How Can I Protect My Identity?
Being the victim of any form of identity theft can have significant impacts on your life. Not only does it impact your credit, as you may be unable to receive loans due to a poor credit score that’s no fault of your own, but it can also impact your finances if the theft is financial. As such, doing what you can during these times to protect your identity is critical.
One of the most important things you can do is to never input sensitive information on websites you don’t trust. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of assuming everything online is encrypted, which is not true. As such, it’s necessary to verify the security of websites before inputting financial, tax, or medical information into the site. If you have any doubts, err on the side of caution and do not put your details in.
You should continually check your credit reports and insurance statements for anything unfamiliar. Additionally, you should not give any information over the phone or through text or email to someone claiming to be from the IRS. They will not contact you this way.
If you are the victim of identity theft despite taking the necessary precautions, reclaiming your identity can be complex and overwhelming. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced identity theft victim lawyer from Los Angeles Legal Solutions. Our team understands how complex these issues can be, and we will do everything possible to help you reclaim your identity. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you during these challenging times.
