Examples of Identity Theft Crimes
Once identity thieves have your personal information they may:
- Go on spending sprees using your credit and debit account numbers to buy “big ticket” items like computers or televisions that they can easily re-sell.
- Open a new credit card account. When they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.
- Change the mailing address on your existing credit card accounts, and then run up lots of charges. Since the new bills are being sent to a new address, it may take a long time before you realize there’s a problem.
- Establish phone or wireless service in your name.
- Drain your bank account.
- Give your name to the police during an arrest.
- File for bankruptcy under your name.