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Child identity theft
In child identity theft, someone uses a child's identity for
various forms of personal gain. This is common, as children
typically do not have information associated with them that could
pose obstacles for the perpetrator. The fraudster may use the child's
name and Social Security number to obtain a residence, find
employment, obtain loans, or avoid arrest on outstanding warrants.
Often, the victim is a family member, the child of a friend, or
someone else close to the perpetrator. Some people even steal the

personal information of deceased loves ones.

Tax identity theft
Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal
information, including your Social Security number, to file a bogus
state or federal tax return in your name and collect a refund.

Criminal identity theft
In criminal identity theft, a criminal pose as another person
during an arrest to try to avoid a summons, prevent the discovery
of a warrant issued in their real name, or avoid an arrest or
conviction record.

Identity Theft Protection

Many types of identity theft can be prevented. One way is to continually check
the accuracy of personal documents and promptly deal with any discrepancies.

There are several identify theft protection services that help people avoid and
mitigate the effects of identity theft. Typically, such services provide information
helping people to safeguard their personal information; monitor public records and
private records, such as credit reports, to alert their clients of certain transactions and
status changes; and provide assistance to victims to help them resolve problems
associated with identity theft.

In addition, some government agencies and non-profit organizations provide similar
assistance, typically with websites that have information and tools to help people avoid,
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remedy, and report incidents of identity theft. Many of the best credit monitoring
services also provide identity protection tools and services.