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How Do Identity Thieves Obtain Your Information and What Do They do With It?
Identity thieves can gain access to your information several different ways. For example:
- They steal your purse or wallet containing your drivers license, credit cards, and/or bank cards.
- They get your information from businesses by stealing from their employer or bribing a dishonest employee who has access to your information.
- They steal your mail, which could be anything from tax information to pre-approved credit cards.
- They sift through your trash or the trash of a business.
- They steal credit and debit card numbers through a process called “skimming.”
- They pose as your employer, landlord, or other person with a legitimate need for your personal information.
- They steal personal information while they are in your home.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it illustrates some of the ways identity thieves gain access to your personal information. Once identity thieves have your information there are many options available for its use. A few of them are:
- Going on shopping sprees to buy items for their personal use or to sell.
- Changing your mailing address for existing credit accounts so that you do not become aware of the theft.
- Selling your personal and business information to other identity thieves.
- Counterfeiting checks or debit cards in order to empty your personal or business bank accounts.
- Opening new credit or bank accounts.
- Obtaining loans or utility accounts in your name.
- Buying “big ticket” personal items, such as cars, or even real estate in your name.
- Filing bankruptcy in your name in order to escape the debts they have incurred.
- Giving your name to police when they are arrested.
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