HOW IDENTITY THEFT WORKS

Here are some examples of how identity theft works and what criminals can potentially do with your information:

• Identity Thieves seek to empty your savings or checking account in various ways, through bad checks, fake debit cards, or through electronic transfers.

• Identity Thieves open new lines of credit or new credit card accounts in your name, then go on a spending spree. When the bills never get paid, you are the one the creditors look for. Your accounts are shown as delinquent, which then goes on your credit report, making it difficult for you to conduct business.

• Identity Thieves call your credit card company, impersonate you, and tell the credit card issuer that you have moved to a new address. They request them to change your mailing address and may even request new cards to be issued. You may not be aware of what has happened for some time, long after the charges have piled up.

• Identity Thieves may get a driver's license in your name, with your address, but with their picture on it. If they commit a crime, the police have your name and information. When they don't show up for their court date, you are the one they look for.

• Identity Thieves get utilities turned on, acquire cell phone service, get cable TV, get internet service, buy boats and cars, take out loans, even get a job, all in your good name.

Watch this revealing and alarming video by Chris Hansen of Dateline, MSNBC, for an example of how easily identity thieves can steal your information and how quickly they can use it!

Criminals are creative. They find new ways to steal, cheat, and take advantage of decent people. That's why it is important for you to be creative also by understanding how identity theft works, what your options are, and implement good strategies to protect your identity and those you love.

See identity theft prevention tips and identity theft protection services for the best ways to safeguard your identity.

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How Identity Theft Works

When your personal information gets into the hands of an identity thief, there are a number of things the thief can do that will leave you in a real mess and possibly owing huge amounts of money.