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.