|
What do thieves do with a stolen identity?
Once
they have your personal information, identity
thieves go about their business in a variety
of ways.
Credit
card fraud:
-
They
may open new credit card accounts
in your name. When they use the cards
and don't pay the bills, the delinquent
accounts appear under your name on
your credit report.
-
They
may change the billing address on
your credit card so that you no longer
receive bills, and then run up charges
on your account. Because your bills
are now sent to a different address,
it may be some time before you realize
there's a problem.
Phone
or utilities fraud:
- They
may open a phone or wireless account,
or run up charges on your existing
account.
- They
may use your name to get utility services
like electricity, heating, or cable
TV.
Bank/finance
fraud:
- They
may open a bank account in your name
and write bad checks.
- They
may authorize electronic transfers
in your name, from your accounts,
and drain your savings.
- They
may take out a loan in your name.
Government
documents fraud:
- They
may get a driver's license or official
ID card issued in your name but with
their picture.
- They
may use your name to get government
benefits.
- They
may file a fraudulent tax return using
your information.
Other
fraud:
- They
may get a job using your Social Security
number.
- They
may rent a house or get medical services
using your name.
- They
may give your personal information
to police during an arrest. If they
don't show up for their court date,
a warrant for arrest is issued in
your name.
|
