What is a common effect of identity theft on the victims?

The common effect of identity theft on victims is a loss of credit score. When a person's identity is stolen, the perpetrator may open new accounts in the victim's name, run up debts, and fail to make payments, which negatively affects the victim's credit history. This can lead to significant long-term financial consequences, including difficulties securing loans, credit cards, or even housing.

This impact emphasizes the importance of monitoring one's credit report and taking precautionary measures to protect personal information. While immediate remedies may exist, such as reporting the theft, the damage to a victim's credit score can take time and effort to rectify. In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are not typically associated with identity theft experiences. For instance, immediate financial compensation is not guaranteed, legal immunity does not arise from identity theft, and victims generally do not gain access to premium services as a result of being victimized.