5 Types of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States, particularly due to the amount of personal information now available on the internet. However, there are several different types of identity theft, and while all are criminal offenses, they can result in varying levels of consequences for those convicted of this crime.

If you or someone you know has been accused of committing identity theft, it is important that you have effective legal representation in order to ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected. Contact a Champaign criminal defense attorney of Bruno Law Offices today at (217) 328-6000 to discuss your case with a qualified member of our legal team.

Understanding the Different Types of Identity Theft

The following are the five most common types of identity theft:

  1. Criminal identity theft – this occurs when an arrested individual uses a stolen ID card or passport to mislead law enforcement officials about their name.
  2. Identity cloning – this happens when someone uses another person’s identity to conceal their own. The most common example of identity cloning is individuals using another person’s Social Security number for work purposes.
  3. Medical identity theft – this occurs when an individual uses someone else’s name or information to fraudulently obtain or file claims for medical services.
  4. Financial identity theft – this happens when someone uses another person’s identifying information to obtain credit or access to that person’s financial resources (bank account, credit cards, etc.).
  5. Synthetic identity theft – one of the newest forms of identity theft, this typically involves the combination of several peoples’ identifying information to create a new identity.

These are the basic types of identity theft for which an individual may be prosecuted.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been charged with identity theft, it is important that you pursue legal representation to protect your name and reputation. Contact a Champaign criminal attorney of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 today to learn more about what you can do to defend yourself against this damaging accusation.