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.