Identity Theft
What Is Identity Theft?
How Do Identity Thieves Use the Information They Steal?
If identity thieves gain access to your personal information, they may:
- Use your credit or debit card account numbers to buy "big ticket" items, such computers, that they can easily sell.
- Use your name, date of birth, and Social Security number to open a new credit card account. When they don't pay the bills, this information then goes on your credit report instead of theirs.
- Change the mailing address on your credit card account. This way, you won't be aware when they run up charges, because your bill is being somewhere mailed else.
- Use counterfeit checks or debit cards to drain your bank account.
- Open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on it.
- Obtain a job, driver's license, or medical services using your name.
- Rent a home or take out a car loan in your name.
Set up phone, mobile, or utility services in your name.